ONE of York's most recognisable buildings has become the focus of a desperate family search by a Californian man.

Kenneth Whitehead, a San Diego-based cabinet dealer, is the great-great grandson of William Whitehead, who started a drapery business from his home, Foss Bridge House, in Walmgate, in 1804.

But the building, which was most recently owned by FR Stubbs ironmongers and is easily spotted thanks to the company's logo on the side, is now up for sale to developers - unless Mr Whitehead can locate other members of the family to help him buy it and restore it.

Mr Whitehead said he travelled to the city a month ago and saw the grade two listed building.

He said: "Imagine my surprise when I first saw Foss Bridge House and the large 'For Sale' sign.

"My first thought was: 'Is this God's will?"

Mr Whitehead is now concerned that the development plans for the site has put the building out of his financial reach.

He said: "The problem is the timing of the sale. If I had six months or a year to organise the family and form a trust or partnership I think it would be quite possible to purchase the property. Alone, I think the developer would outbid my offer.

"Perhaps there are other Whiteheads in York who will help. William Whitehead had three brothers, three sisters and one other son, Edward.

"This building is something I want to give to everyone in my family, even those I do not know. I want Foss Bridge House to be here for another 100 years, and that is my motivation." Mr Whitehead appealed for anyone connected to the family to contact Jayne Laws, of solicitors Guest Walker and Co. at 12A Shambles, York.

William James Whitehead's son, Frank, emigrated to America aged 21 and married in 1873. He had four sons, the eldest being Kenneth's grandfather, William Edward.

Updated: 10:52 Monday, September 08, 2003