Two Healthcare Homes Group care homes have fallen victim to a scam by a company posing as The Royal Train Ride.

The scam targeted Shipdham Manor Care Home in Norfolk and Haughgate House in Woodbridge, Suffolk, which both planned festive activities for their residents and local communities this Christmas season.

The fraudulent company emailed the care homes, offering a Polar Express’ experience. Shipdham Manor Care Home booked a full-day experience for more than £400 as part of its Christmas Bazaar scheduled for this Saturday 21 December. The funds used for the booking were donated by a family member of a former resident.

Haughgate House was also scammed, losing £100 after attempting to book a similar experience.

Chelsea Mears, Shipdham Manor’s activities coordinator, said: “We are devastated and deeply saddened by this scam, which has robbed our residents of the joy and excitement we had planned for them. At Shipdham Manor, the donated funds held a special significance, which makes it all the more upsetting.”