Five times Sunderland tarantulas have been on the web as we mark the spiders' special day

The day of celebration has been running for 19 years and aims to dispel the myths about tarantulas.

Experts say the creatures are generally docile and, even if they do bite, they are not deadly to humans.

The spiders also play a crucial role in controlling insect populations.

Plenty of fans on Wearside

Sunderland is certainly on board as fans if these Echo archive images are anything to go by.

In 1995, Paul Nieuwint was in the picture with a Chilean Rose Tarantula.

The annual Animal Magic event was held at Washington Wetland Centre in May 2009.

Poppy, a parrot and a python

The centre’s marketing manager Leanne McCormella was making friends with Poppy the Tarantula, while other attractions on the day included a parrot, python and an orphaned fox.

Here’s a scene from Pennywell Youth Project in April 2010. Rosie the Tarantula was in the picture with Carl Bradbury, 13.

When Zoolab came to the day centre

In 2011, the regulars at Glenholme Day Centre, in Roker got to see a variety of reptiles and insects, including a millipede, snails and a tarantula, in a visit by ZooLab.

Wellburn Care Homes, the owners of the Park Avenue day centre, introduced animals as studies showed there were health benefits for elderly people who regularly come into contact with them.

A night at the museum - with tarantulas

In 2012, families got the chance to sleep among the exhibits at Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens as part of a national project.

Highlights included coming face to face with Madagascan hissing cockroaches, tarantulas, snakes and rare blue-tongued skinks who were there with handlers from Discovery Zoo.

Enjoy the big day. And if these photos brought back happy memories for you, tell us more by emailing [email protected]