Craft bakers around the country are gearing up for National Doughnut Week from 10-17 May with a host of exciting ideas to help raise funds for the event’s chosen charity The Children’s Trust.

Townend Bakery in Liverpool has developed a limited edition star-shaped doughnut for the week, while Corner Bakery in Preston has persuaded one member of staff to dress up as a giant doughnut. The store also expects an appearance from a Preston North End footballer, who will take part in a doughnut-eating competition.

Meanwhile, Simon Reynolds of A&E Barrow & Sons in Kent is planning to get his entire family involved in the celebrations. In previous years Simon’s son has sold doughnuts to his classmates to raise awareness of the scheme and has organised an art competition where pupils submitted artwork to the bakery to be displayed in the cafe. This year, the family are keen to get involved again and members of the local press are being invited to visit the bakery.

BakeMark UK, which is supporting the event, hopes to raise £50,000 this year for The Children’s Trust. Last year, over 600 people took part in National Doughnut Week, raising almost £40,000.