Though few British mums have lifestyles which rival those of TV's Desperate Housewives, thousands share at least one aspiration with Wisteria Lane's mother of four, Lynette Scavo craving professional help with the children and the house. HEATHER RAMSDEN spoke to Lewisham mum-of-two Julia Collins who solved her domestic dilemma by hiring a housekeeper/nanny

Working mum Julia, 37, of Belmont Hill, Lewisham, who has a demanding career as a partner of London fashionwear company, faced a crisis at the beginning of the year when her children's nanny announced she was leaving the country to get married.

But after visiting a website for the Housekeeper Company, she discovered exactly the kind of help she needed in Linda Adsuara, a Filipino housekeeper/nanny.

Now Julia is able to go to work knowing the household chores will be taken care of and the children fed and bathed by the time she comes home.

"I don't have to waste time on chores and I can enjoy spending valuable time with my children and concentrate on having fun with them before they go to bed," Julia explained.

"If I did not have Linda I would probably be exhausted. I would be constantly bathing, feeding, getting dinner ready and would have no time for anything but chores.

"I know I am lucky I can do this, it's not something everyone is able to do. Linda has been a lifesaver."

Julia is one of the latest generation of busy mums who are turning to live-in home care professionals who not only do the housework but also offer the dual benefit of helping parents out with the children.

The Housekeeper Company reports interest in Filipino and other foreign housekeeper/nannies has soared over the past six months.

Company managing director Julia Harris observes: "Family-focused mums whether or not they're pursuing a career are desperate to spend more quality time with their children.

"They're loathe to spend many hours on household chores if it's to the detriment of family life.

"With traditional nannies in short supply, parents are looking for other childcare solutions."

Linda, who has a work permit which is renewed annually, joined Julia and her partner Simon's household around Easter. She has already established an excellent rapport with five-year-old Olivia and Miles, three, who she takes care of, cooks for and plays with after school and nursery.

"Her housekeeping skills are exemplary," Julia says.

"Linda is just the sort of person we were looking for. Her caring and gentle nature mean she's excellent with the children and she handles all of the everyday tasks around the home.

"Her organisational skills are remarkable and her exacting standards are phenomenal. Our house has never looked in such pristine condition.

"We are also exploring the flavours of a whole new culture with her delicious meals.

"Although I do a basic supermarket shop on the internet, Linda ensures that we have lots of fresh produce in the home when she visits markets every couple of days.

"Without a doubt, the flexibility of the housekeeper/nanny approach means that we have the best of both worlds."

Julia adds she and Simon now have more time to spend with Miles and Olivia in the evening and at weekends.

"By the time I get home at around 6.30pm, most of the household chores are taken care of and Miles and Olivia are usually bathed and in their pyjamas."

After the children go to bed Julia and Simon then settle down to their own meal, also prepared earlier in the day by Linda.

Linda spends evenings in her room on the top floor of the Collins' house by watching TV and speaking to friends and family on her mobile phone.

On weekends, she goes to stay with friends so the Collins family can spend some quality time together.

Julia said: "I would definitely recommend it. It's about the whole family having quality time together and enjoying themselves and not spending time doing the chores."

Housekeeper/nannies in London earn on average £250 net for a 50-hour week. Call the Housekeeper Company on 0845 6013945 or visit housekeepercompany.co.uk