A POLICEMAN is organising a unique raffle to raise money for those who looked after his father before he died.

Bill Burrell, a well-known local man who founded B-Line taxis in Barnstaple, died in March this year aged 61.

He died at the North Devon Hospice after a four-year battle with cancer.

Now his son Andrew, 27, is organising the Big Eat Raffle to raise money for the hospice.

Andrew, a former pupil of North Devon College and Pilton Community College, is running the London Marathon next year and is finding different ways to raise the money.

He said: "Being a foodie and a lover of all things local, I thought it was a good thing to do.

"There are loads of raffles which take place, but not one which is specific to a particular theme."

Andrew wrote to about 40 different food premises across North Devon including shops, producers, restaurants, cafés and pubs.

He is asking for any donations, however big or small, from any of the eateries, particularly those due to exhibit at this year's food festival, where the raffle will take place.

He said people do not appreciate the benefit of the North Devon Hospice until it is there for you.

"My dad was at the hospice for 11 days before he died. I slept up there myself for three or four nights," he said.

"They made a real difference and made a horrible time bearable.

"They gave my dad a dignified and comfortable send-off."

Andrew has not organised a charity event before but is being helped by his partner Kathryn Greenslade.

He already has a £60 meal voucher from the Old Custom House, vouchers for a meal for two at The Grove Inn and a £30 voucher for Jalapeno Peppers. The raffle will take place at the North Devon Food Festival in Barnstaple Pannier Market on Sunday, October 17.

● If you would like to support Andrew's efforts you can contact him on e-mail at mail@aburrell.com or phone him on 01271 343053.