AN ATHERTON mother of five has been officially crowned "Supermum".

Shirley Jones was selected after her 16-year-old daughter, Rachael Hurst, secretly entered her into a competition to find the area's best mum.

Supermum Shirley, aged 40, couldn't believe it: "I had no idea about the competition, but when I saw Rachael's face I knew who had nominated me. I was really chuffed -- I'm so proud to know she thinks of me like that. I sometimes think of myself as a slave!"

Rachael's letter detailed her mum's hectic involvement in the local community. With an impressive list of voluntary jobs, Shirley's partner Tony jokes about having to make an appointment to see the busy housewife.

Shirley, of Garston Avenue, Atherton, is a voluntary youth worker at Hag Fold Community Centre and is currently helping a group of young people achieve their Duke of Edinburgh award and is also looking forward to being a commonwealth games volunteer in the summer.

Fred Longworth High School pupil Rachael, said: "My mum will do anything to help young people because she cares, even if they are on drugs or drink or if other people turn their back on them. She says if she can help one person it is more rewarding than winning the lottery."

Rachael's letter also described how Shirley cares for her parents as well as her own five children, who are aged between seven and 20, is among the fund-raising Friends of St George's Primary School who are fund-raising to buy toasters for the school, and spent last summer -- starting on her 40th birthday -- helping at a summer sports club for children.

Rachael said: "Some of my mates say 'I wish your mum was my mum'. I'm glad my mum is my mum."

When she stops for a breath football-mad Shirley's supports Manchester City and travels to Maine Road with her 17-year-old son Tony for every home match.

Shirley was presented with a bouquet of flowers and £15 vouchers at the Asda store on Atherleigh Way on Monday. She now waits to find out if she has made it through to the regional finals, for which she would have to travel to a special ceremony in London.