Spiders will soon be out and about in South Tyneside - if they’re not already.
The annual spider season in the UK runs from late August to October, peaking in September, when mature male house spiders leave their webs to roam indoors in search of mates.
The borough is certainly on board as fans of the creatures if these Shields Gazette photo memories are anything to go by.
We have scenes from 2005 to 2015 and they take in Whitburn C of E School, Jarrow Community Centre, St Joseph’s RC Comprehensive and Simonside Primary School in 2015.
We would love you to share your photos of the giant spiders you found in your own homes. Send them to [email protected]
1. Callum makes a new friend
Simonside Primary School pupil Callum Raw got up close with a tarantula on his head during a creepy crawly visit to the school in 2015. | sg
2. On the menu in Whitburn
Science and arts day at Whitburn C of E. Head boy and head girl Ethan Nichols and Maryam Garkuwa were among the pupils who tried jellied spiders, crispy critters and spicy worms in 2013. | sg
3. Open day in Jarrow
Open day at Jarrow Community Centre in 2013 when the event was held as part of the Jarrow Festival. Mayoress Patricia Ridley made friends with this 'pretend' spider. | sg
4. On the web in 2012
South Tyneside people had the chance to name the latest attraction at South Shields Museum in 2012. This tarantula was the latest resident in Creature Corner and was set to become a new neighbour for Mick The Python. | sg