HIGH society VIPs are searching for York property before they flock to the city for Royal Ascot.

Lord Simon Clanmorris and Lady Gizella Clanmorris are among those hunting a house or flat to rent during the prestigious festival in 2005.

But the Lord - the 8th Baron Clanmorris whose family motto is Christ Is My Hope - warned residents not to ask too much as they prepare to let.

As one resident tabled a £18,500 request, he warned: "If prices go like that, people will stay away in droves."

The aristocrat, who lives in Knightsbridge, London, added: "It's unlikely people would be willing to pay more than £50 (per person) per night."

He considered £1,200 "reasonable" for a property to house up to eight people for five days.

However, his comments came as one resident put a staggering £18,500 tag on their Emperor's Wharf penthouse flat, smashing the previous high of £10,000 in Tadcaster Road. Another resident has reportedly secured £7,000. Lord Clanmorris, 66, has not missed Royal Ascot since 1959, regularly entertaining 20-plus parties. He is determined the switch to York for Ascot improvements is not going to break that record.

"It's quite a long way to York. I think I would have preferred going to Cheltenham because it's closer, but York's a good racecourse. We love North Yorkshire and are very fond of York."

He said despite the social whirl linked to the event, racing was the main concern at an event attracting more than 300,000 punters.

"We give a picnic before the race with champagne and Pimms, then entertain people afterwards as well."

Lord Clanmorris's title dates back to 1800.

His father, John Bingham, worked for MI5 and was the inspiration for the spy George Smiley in the books by John le Carr. His sister, the novelist Charlotte Bingham, has continued the literary tradition.

Details of the property chase came after Lord Clanmorris contacted a web site set up to help residents rent for York Ascot.

He has yet to receive any feedback.

Neil Boddy, the computer expert who set up the Ascot rental liaison website and urged York residents to "cash in" for the event, said it was close to registering its 100th customer.

He admitted prices "may have to calm down". But he added there was no harm asking when hotels were tripling rates as 12,000 beds sell fast. One hotel plans to charge £500 a night.

Mr Boddy, 36, added: "The idea has captured York's imagination."

Updated: 09:30 Saturday, February 28, 2004