The eclipse brought Teesside to a standstill as workers and pupils left schools and offices to watch as darkness descended.
Keen stargazers were somewhat disappointed, however, as a blanket of cloud obscured any clear views of the rare celestial event.
But as the 9.40am peak approached, there was still a sight to be seen as day appeared to turn to dusk.
Our region joined the rest of Northern Europe to be cast into dusky gloom.
Children from Bishopsgarth School in Stockton recorded the event by measuring light levels and temperature as the eclipse developed.
The solar eclipse is a rare astronomical alignment when the moon passes directly between the sun and the Earth, blocking out most of the light, which rarely occurs visibly in the UK.
People were warned beforehand to ensure correct eye protection was worn if looking at the eclipse, and that looking directly at the sun could otherwise cause blindness.
Almost 94% of the sun’s light was expected to be blocked during the event, which has not been seen from Middlesbrough since 1999.
Police also urged motorists to take care during the eclipse.
Inspector Ed Turner, from the Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit, said: “Make sure you are prepared for the eclipse by wearing bright clothing when walking children to school and if driving be sure to turn on your lights and take extra care.”
• Did you manage to capture any images? Email them to pictures@gazettemedia.co.uk.
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