IN many ways Darlington town centre has changed unimaginably - with some shops we once knew gradually disappearing and new businesses popping up.

But in other ways, much of the town centre and surrounding areas have remained the same and as recognisable as they were many decades ago.

We've looked through The Northern Echo's archives to look back at just how much has changed over the past two decades.

Here's five before and after pictures of Darlington in the 1990s and 2000s compared with today.

1. Boyes and Binns, looking towards High Row

The Northern Echo: Picture: NORTHERN ECHOPicture: NORTHERN ECHO

The Northern Echo: Picture: SARAH CALDECOTTPicture: SARAH CALDECOTT

Pizza Hut, Boyes and Binns were pictured as they were in December 1999 - it hasn't changed one bit really.

2. The Link and Boots Opticians on Northgate

The Northern Echo: Picture: NORTHERN ECHOPicture: NORTHERN ECHO

The Northern Echo: Picture: SARAH CALDECOTTPicture: SARAH CALDECOTT

Now home to the likes of Next and Costa Coffee, Northgate was pictured with a very different set up in May 2001.

3. Woolworths at the Cornmill 

The Northern Echo: Picture: NORTHERN ECHOPicture: NORTHERN ECHO (Image: RICHARD DOUGHTY/ARCHIVE)

The Northern Echo: Picture SARAH CALDECOTTPicture SARAH CALDECOTT

We all miss Woolworths. It was a staple department store in the town and attracted hundreds of customers per day. Picture taken December 1999.

4. Comet Electrical, Darlington Retail Park

The Northern Echo: Picture: SARAH CALDECOTTPicture: SARAH CALDECOTT

The Northern Echo: Picture: SARAH CALDECOTTPicture: SARAH CALDECOTT

Who remembers Comet? The electrical store was pictured in its hey day at Darlington Retail Park in the early 00s.

5. Safeway, Victoria Road

The Northern Echo: Picture: NORTHERN ECHOPicture: NORTHERN ECHO

The Northern Echo: Picture: SARAH CALDECOTTPicture: SARAH CALDECOTT

The former Safeway store on Victoria Road was converted into the Sainsbury's store we see today. Pictured August 2000.