TANIA Cannon, who has died aged 43, had a promising career as a dancer and dance teacher cut short by multiple sclerosis.

She started ballet lessons when she was just three, and by the age of five was dancing competitively in all-England competitions.

After an appearance in pantomime when she was nine, she was chosen to dance with the Young London Ballet Company at Sadler’s Wells and the Royal Festival Hall.

She also appeared with the Genee Ballet Company in a production of The Nutcracker.

At 16, she won a place to study dance at the Hammond School in Chester, where she took a leading role in a production of Coppelia.

The onset of MS prevented her becoming a professional ballet dancer, but she set out on a teaching career with the Jill Stew School of Dance at Witney.

She later studied for a performing arts degree in dance at Middlesex University.

In later years, as her MS caused increasing disability, Miss Cannon, who lived at Seacourt Road, Botley, Oxford, became well known at the Oxford Disability Sailing Club, where she won many competitions.

She was also a strong supporter of the Oxford and district branch of the MS Society, organising numerous fundraising events with the help of her carers.

A private funeral service at Oxford Crematorium was followed by a thanksgiving service at St Michael’s Church, Cumnor, attended by many family members and friends.