Check out pumping car stereo show

Around 200 car stereo enthusiasts from all over the country - some with audio equipment that plays louder than a jumbo jet - gathered in Wolverhampton for an event to find out who has the loudest hi-fi system.

See also: Video: Car owners pump up the volumeOrganiser John Royce, who has competed against celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, a big car stereo fan, said the competition was one of the biggest in the UK.nextpageYesterday's event took place on a deserted industrial estate in Neachells Lane - well away from residential properties - with police in attendance, helping to marshal traffic.nextpageShop manager Mr Royce said organised events such as this one were aimed at improving the image of "boom box" fans, some of whom give the pastime a bad name by turning up the volume when driving through towns and city suburbs.nextpage"They have given people like us a bad reputation, stereotyping fans as irresposible young lads who like doing up their cars but there are lots of respectable followers of the hobby."

nextpageOther famous car audio enthusiasts include Alma Gates, the 73-year- old sister of Microsoft magnate Bill Gates, who retired from competition two years ago. Some equipment can reach sound levels of 170 decibels , compared to a gun shot which is about 136 decibels and a jumbo jet which reaches around 145 decibels.nextpageAmong vehicles at yesterday's event were stretch hummers and a lamborghini fitted with the latest digital technology. See also: Video: Car owners pump up the volume