Christine Clarkson, 59, who founded the dance studio of the same name, had been on Leyland's Longmeanygate for more than 20 years.

Husband Roy said: "She was an absolute gem."

An accomplished dancer in her own right, winning numerous competitions and medals, Christine began her group with 60 members but finished with more than 200 dancers.

Roy, her husband of 35 years, said: "She was an absolutely fantastic lady and had so much time for everyone.

"Dancing was everything to Christine and I always used to tell her she was the nicest person I had ever met.

"We were so close and were together all the time. It's going to be a wrench without her."

In 2007, Christine, along with fellow teacher Sue Ashton, opened performing acts academy Dance Theme, which used dance as a way of encouraging kids to become more active.

Eighteen months ago Christine was diagnosed with myeloma, a condition which affects the production of normal blood cells.

Her heartbroken husband described the moment he knew she was gone, saying: "After eight hours of being unconscious, she mustered the strength to pull up her face mask and turn towards me.

"I thought she had woken up, but by the time I looked down she had gone. It was something I will never forget. She truly was a very, very special lady."

Christine also leaves behind her devastated son Danny, 31.

Her funeral will be held at the church where she and Roy wed, St John's, in Whittle-le-Woods, at 11am on Thursday.