World class stars such as Nathan Robertson (pictured) and Anthony Clark, the Commonwealth Games silver medallists, will be among those battling it out for the honours at the National Cycling Centre from February 4-6.

Clark will be bidding to extend his record of consecutive men's doubles titles to 10.

Another win in February will also put him level with Mike Tredgett on a record total of 10 men's doubles titles.

Robertson, who has won six of his eight men's doubles titles with Clark, will also be chasing a sixth mixed doubles title when he and Jenny Wallwork, the Commonwealth Games silver medallists, defend the crown they won together for the first time last year.

If Robertson wins both titles he will move within one of Tredgett's record of 16 men's and mixed titles.

Bolton-born Wallwork is also defending her women's doubles title with Gabby White while Delhi silver medallist Rajiv Ouseph will be bidding for a fourth consecutive men's singles title and Elizabeth Cann, a bronze medallist at the Commonwealth Games, will be aiming to improve on her four women's singles titles.

Badminton England commercial director Fiona Young said: "The nationals have long been considered the most important event in the domestic badminton calendar and they have gone from strength to strength since moving to Manchester.

"Now we want to raise the profile of the other age group nationals, ranging from Under 11 through to the Veterans.

"The creation of the National Championships Series will form a bridge between all age categories from 2011 onwards and properly reflect their status at the pinnacle of the domestic badminton calendar.

"This united series will create an aspirational pathway for young and top-level players alike, and will provide a new platform from which to engage the badminton audiences throughout the country."

Mike Amesbury, Manchester City Council's Executive member for Culture and Leisure, said: "I am pleased to see that the Championships are now the focal point of a series of events featuring the next generation of players coming through the ranks.

"Manchester's reputation for hosting sports events continues to go from strength to strength and the English National Championships is a great chance for sports fans in the city to come along and witness another top-class tournament on our doorstep."