We propose a model of inflation based on a simple variant of the NMSSM, called&fgr;NMSSMwhere the additional singlet &fgr; plays the role of the inflation in hybrid (or inverted hybrid) type models. The&fgr;NMSSMsolves the &mgr; problem of the MSSM via the vacuum expectation value of the gauge singlet N, but also solves the strong CP problem through an approximate Peccei-Quinn symmetry. The potential energy which drives inflation originates from the F-term of the effective supergravity theory which result from a generic string theory. In the class of models considered the inflation is protected from receiving mass during inflation by a Heisenberg symmetry, avoiding the &eegr; problem. ©1999 American Institute of Physics.