Today is National Doughnut Day — and Marico Thomas of the Glaze bakery intends to follow through on the American holiday’s philanthropic spirit.

“It commemorates Salvation Army volunteers who provided doughnuts to soldiers in the First World War,” Mr Thomas said.

“We’ll be giving doughnut holes out for free.

“One per customer, no strings attached — just come and get it.”

National Doughnut Day is a United States creation: held on the first Friday of June, it celebrates the soldiers’ canteens run by the Salvation Army in France.

It was set up formally in 1938 after a military doctor brought doughnuts to wounded soldiers at a US military base.

Glaze will be handing them out from 7am onward, and baking fresh supplies throughout the day.

“No purchases are necessary — just no frowny faces,” Mr Thomas advised.