A DEVOTED daughter from Nailsea is hoping to raise �10,000 for an Indian orphanage in memory of her dad.

Gemma Davidson and her partner Andy Jones took over the Blue Flame in Netherton Wood Lane six months ago when Gemma’s dad died suddenly of cancer.

During his 24 years as landlord of the country pub, Mick Davidson and his loyal patrons helped to build an orphanage for Christian organisation Gospel for Tribals Social Service Society (GTSSS) and they have continued to support the charity.

Mick’s daughter is now hoping to continue his legacy by raising enough money to build a new medical wing for the orphanage.

Gemma, aged 30, said: “I wanted to do something as a tribute to my dad.

“At the moment there’s nowhere to take children when they are ill and then illnesses spread around the whole orphanage.

“We want to build a separate medical wing, called Mick’s Medical Wing, where the children can be treated when they are poorly.”

Gemma moved into the pub with her family when she was six years old and said she has had so much support since taking over the watering hole.

She said: “We took it on in quite upsetting circumstances but all the customers are just brilliant. They’ve been very supportive. There’s a real community spirit in the pub.”

The first of the fundraising events at the Blue Flame is the popular fireworks night, laser show and barbecue on October 27.

There will also be a Halloween-themed fancy dress competition on the night, with prizes for the best dressed adult and child. Tickets are available from the pub.

On October 30, people are invited to take their carved pumpkins along to the pub to be judged, and on December 8 regulars can also take part in a sloe gin competition to vie for a trophy.

The Blue Flame will also be putting on band nights, quizzes and competitions to raise the money.

n Pictured right: Gemma and Andy with customers Gareth Flowers and Shane Summerell.