FOR anyone terrified of spiders scientists have created an app that places a virtual 3D spider on your hand. They say it reduces fear of arachnids in real life.

I like spiders. If I see one on the house I take pains to trap it under a glass and relocate it to the shed. But however much I respect them, I wouldn’t want one on my hand, especially not the big fella this app produces.

I can pick up beetles, daddy long legs, woodlice, you name it, but not spiders Even the idea of a virtual spider crawling across my palm sends shivers down my spine.

The app could, however, come in useful. My husband mocks me and insists he isn’t scared of spiders. If a mammoth specimen suddenly ‘appeared’ on his forehead, I could test his claim.