GENEROUS regulars at The Blue Flame in Nailsea have raised more than £6,500 to help Indian orphans.

Landlord Gemma Davidson and her partner Andy Jones set up an appeal to raise £10,000 for a new medical wing at an orphanage in memory of Gemma’s dad Mick Davidson, who was landlord for 24 years.

Mick, who died suddenly last year, and some of his loyal patrons helped to build an orphanage in India for Christian organisation Gospel for Tribals Social Service Society.

To carry on his legacy, Gemma launched an appeal to build a medical wing at the orphanage, which will be named Mick’s Medical Wing.

There is currently nowhere to treat orphans who are poorly in the building and illnesses spread quickly around the orphanage.

Gemma has put on fireworks nights, pumpkin carving contests, sloe gin competitions, band nights and quizzes to raise the money and she has been overwhelmed at the generosity of her regulars.

Gemma said: “With the help of regulars Gareth and Dianne Flowers and customers, and suppliers to the country pub, the Blue Flame has managed to raise £6,500 towards the cause.

“Gareth and two others are travelling out to India in March to build a medical wing in a busy orphanage that currently does not have the means to look after its children if they fall ill.

“We are entering the final push to reach the £10,000 target.”

Donations for the appeal are still being taken at the Blue Flame and cheques made payable to GTSSS can be sent to the pub for anyone who wants to support the cause.

Once the medical wing has been built, a plaque in memory of Mick Davidson will be unveiled to pay tribute to his fundraising work.