THERE may be many superwomen living in Kidderminster but few perhaps so deserving of the title as Jola Merrick.

In just six years since taking her 40-hour-a-week job as a theatre nurse at Kidderminster General Hospital, Mrs Merrick, of Low Habberley, has made a deeper mark on Kidderminster life than most do in a lifetime.

The 34-year-old wife, mother and step-mother in a household of five teenaged children, two cats and two dogs, Mrs Merrick miraculously has time to be an enthusiastic home cook despite a weekly timetable that appears to leave barely enough time to bring in the milk from the doorstep.

But this year's chairman of Kidderminster Ladies' Circle, charity volunteer and Wyre Forest Symphony Orchestra violinist delights in every minute of her tightly scheduled life.

She came from Birmingham to Kidderminster six years ago seeking the country air she had been enjoying at weekends through friendships with Severn Valley Railway staff.

Life, which had bad times in the past because of a failed previous marriage, took on a new lease when she met Kevin through a Shuttle/Times & News lonely hearts column.

''We got on fab and it's now our third wedding anniversary,'' she said proudly.

Mrs Merrick said she became involved in her varied activities gradually.

''I am passionate about the orchestra. It's a wonderful hobby. I was grade eight but it took a lot of work to get my confidence going again.''

She manages to practise despite working 8am until 6pm most days at the hospital.

She also loves her involvement in the Ladies Circle, a social group of women aged under 45 who do ''a lot of eating and drinking and silly activities like archery and go-karting''.

The group also organises fund-raising events for charity.

Charity work is part of Mrs Merrick's life in other ways.

She and her husband help to man volunteer helplines for a range of charities in the Wyre Forest.

''You just feel you should help if you can,'' she said.

Of her volunteer work, she said: ''It is fascinating but very sad there are so many people who feel life is not worth living and that there is such a big need.''

Mrs Merrick's weekly diary often leaves only Thursday evening free for shopping for the family.

She also frequently works on Saturday in old people's homes.

Thankfully Kevin walks the dogs!