10 facts you probably didn’t know about doughnuts

We're in the middle of doughnut week, so what better than to talk about the sugary delights? Here are 10 facts you probably didn't know about doughnuts.

1) The Dutch word 'olykoek' (oily cake) is thought to be the original name for doughnuts.

2) During World War I, homesick American soldiers who were serving in France were given doughnuts by Salvation Army volunteers called Doughnut Girls.

3) In World War II hot doughnuts were served again, this time by Doughnut Dollies.

4) Renée Zellweger reportedly ate 20 doughnuts a day to put on weight for Bridget Jones's Diary.

5) It is believed that Canada has more doughnut shops per head than any other country!

6) Some people think doughnuts were discovered by mistake, 'according to legend' a cow kicked over a pot of oil into a mixture of pastry.

7) Although different to the 'American' doughnut, the French have a dessert which is an airy fritter and called a 'pet de nonne' which translates as 'nun's farts'!

8) The first doughnut machine was invented in 1920 by a Russian refugee in New York.

9) The fastest time to eat a jam doughnut is just 33 seconds and held by Oli White who broke the record in October 2012.

10) There are actually some people with the surname Doughnut/Donut! The name Donut is believed to have come to the UK in the 11th century.

Doughnut Week runs from the 6th - 13th May.