Charleston, West Virginia was the venue for a major gathering of classic cars last week when an estimated 1,000 vehicles turned up to take part in the Rod Run & Doo Wop event.

Spokesperson and organiser, Mark Wolford, explained that 2011 would be the show's biggest year yet, and that 500 people had pre-registered to secure their place while many more arrived on the day.

Mr Wolford said that when the first Rod Run & Doo Wop show was held back in 2005, they had anticipated that it would take them a decade to reach 1,000 classic cars. Instead, they have reached this milestone in just six years.

A $25 registration fee per car meant that it was an affordable and well-funded event, packed with classic vehicles from the 1950s and 60s.

Charleston mayor, Danny Jones, is not only a supporter of the event but also one of its founders because he himself is a well known automobile enthusiast.

Mr Jones explained that since his teenage infatuation with cars, he had always dreamed of pioneering an event to celebrate them, a feat he was able to achieve after his election to local office.