It is a poignant setting, given that the first ever meeting of the series took place at the Adelphi Hotel in the same city in 1861.

The final is scheduled for September 18, and Archery GB's National Series organiser Jon Nott was delighted to have secured the venue.

"Liverpool is such an obvious venue for our Grand Final this year," he said.

"Liverpool City Council has been really receptive to us, and are now sharing my enthusiasm about putting on a fantastic day of for archery enthusiasts.

"We also look forward to welcoming along members of the public to have a go at our sport, as we did in Leamington last year.

"Speke Hall is a beautiful venue, and members of the archery community will really enjoy not just the top class archery on display, but the grounds and facilities of our hosts."

Cabinet Member for Culture and Tourism of Liverpool City Council, Wendy Simon, added: "Liverpool is delighted to welcome the 2011 Archery GB National Series Final to the city.

"Archery GB is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, so it's especially fitting that we are hosting this event in the city which saw the birth of the original Grand National Archery Society.

"Merseyside is proud to boast two members of the Great Britain senior men's archery squad in Duncan Busby, a double gold medallist at the Delhi Commonwealth Games, and Liam Grimwood, who won a silver medal at the world championships 18 months ago."

Whilst the pair are friends, they share a rivalry in domestic and foreign competition, and spoke of their desire to win silverware in their home city.

"Winning a Commonwealth Games gold medal last year was as good as it gets, a really thrilling experience," said Busby.

"But winning the National Series title at Speke Hall would also be very special for me, and I'm sure if I qualify for the Grand Final I'll have good support from friends and family."

Reigning National Indoor Champion Grimwood said: "I've yet to win the National Series title, so it would be fantastic to do it locally.

"I'm delighted the Grand Final's coming to Speke Hall, especially in the year that Archery GB celebrates its 150th anniversary."

The defending champions in the men's events are Simon Terry in the recurve and Chris White in compound, whilst Naomi Folkard in the recurve and Nichola Simpson in compound will be hoping to repeat their 2010 successes in the women's contest.

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