RAILWAY king George Hudson is returning to his old home – York’s Mansion House – to tell the colourful story of his life.

Hudson lived at the Lord Mayor’s residence in St Helen’s Square three times in the mid-19th century while at the peak of his fame and fortune.

The businessman had enjoyed a rise from rags to riches as he brought the railways to York, but he eventually faced ruin and disgrace.

Now York historical actor and interpreter Chris Cade is to don period costume to portray Hudson in an evening of entertainment aimed at raising funds for the Lord Mayor and Sheriff’s charities: Special Olympics City of York and SSAFA Forces Help.

Chris, who regularly portrays Hudson in his repertoire of many historical characters when performing at museums and schools across the region, is promising appropriate props and some audience participation during the Mansion House evening.

Tickets, priced £9.50 per person, inclusive of a glass of wine with the Lord Mayor, can be obtained from the Visit York Tourist Office in Museum Street.

A performance on April 17 is sold out, but tickets remain available for another on Friday, April 19, with guests asked to arrive at 7pm for a 7.30pm start.