A heritage charity was “horrified” after being allegedly defrauded of a year’s worth of income by a former employee who used a false name, the charity has said.

The Avon Valley Railway Heritage Trust runs a heritage railway between Bristol and Bath and launched a fundraising appeal after identifying financial anomalies.

The charity alleged it found about £50,000 was lost through the actions of Matthew Smith, described as a “previously well-presented and respected employee”.

The Avon Valley Railway Trust recorded an income of £50,357 according to its accounts for the year to the end of January 2024.

Smith, 41, whose real name is Nathan Hudson, is wanted by Humberside Police in connection with a range of fraud cases including scam holiday homes and holidays, and not paying wages between 2015 and 2024.

“Upon reporting the offences to the police, we have discovered that the individual’s true identity is Nathan Hudson, a wanted career criminal with a long history of scamming operations in Humberside and Edinburgh, among other locations, since 2003,” the charity said.

“Hudson created fake profiles and appears to have fabricated supporting documentation to maintain the illusion of his false identity. 

“He used his well-liked character to gain trust and build ‘friendships’ with staff and volunteers across the organisation and some staff and volunteers have also been financially impacted.

“This is likely a strategy he had successfully employed in his numerous previous scams.”

The charity said its ability to undertake much of its planned restoration and maintenance work over the winter had been affected due to the fraud.

It is not sure whether Hudson had external assistance for his fraudulent activities during his time at the charity.

Roger Eynon, chair of Avon Valley Railway Heritage Trust, said: “It’s been a difficult few months for all of us and we’re working hard to recover from Matthew Smith/Nathan Hudson’s actions

“We’re launching our Bounce Back appeal to enable us to continue our vital restoration work this year and beyond, so any money we receive is so massively appreciated at this time.”

Hudson’s actions have had severe personal impact on the volunteers, staff and management of the railway, who trusted him and thought of him as a friend and valued colleague, the charity said.

Anyone with information on Hudson can contact police by calling 101 and quoting crime reference number 24*149140, or by reporting to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.