LOUGHTON School of Dancing's principal for 30 years, Janice Plampton, known to pupils as Miss Todd, has died aged 48.

Mrs Plampton, a former South Woodford dancer, had fought cancer for three-and-a-half years, and died at St Clare Hospice in Hastingwood on Wednesday, January 14.

Born in 1955, she grew up in Theydon Bois, enjoying a glittering dance career as a young girl. She learned to dance with Francesca Highfield's School in South Woodford and then trained at the Arts Educational School in the Barbican.

After qualifying, she resisted the temptation to become a professional dancer and chose to teach children, whom she loved to see dancing.

In 1974 Mrs Plampton took over the Loughton School of Dancing which held classes at St Michael's Church hall, Roding Road, and Lopping Hall, in Loughton High Road.

Teaching ballet, modern, tap and jazz dancing, Miss Todd' quickly became beloved of her students, whose ages ranged from under two to over 70.

Her husband, Alan, said: "During the last 30 years she has literally taught thousands of children the joy of dancing and continued to teach until the last, being determined that her illness would not stop the children dancing."

While in charge at the school, she oversaw a 100 per cent examination pass record, and staged regular shows, with proceeds going to the charities that had supported pupils or parents of the school.

She will be remembered for the caring and loving way in which she gained the respect of all the children she taught. A show which had been planned for her 30th anniversary will go ahead at Lopping Hall in April, providing an opportunity for all her pupils, throughout the years, to celebrate the life of a friend and mentor to so many.

She married in 1984, moving to Coopersale. She leaves her husband, and two children, Grace and Matthew.

Mr Plampton said: "We have lost our most cherished wife and mother. Babs and Bert Todd, and son Bernard, have lost a daughter and a sister who was one in a million. But we all have glorious memories of someone who can never be forgotten."

Her funeral is at St John's Church, Epping, at 11am, on Tuesday, January 27. All are welcome. The family has asked that no flowers be sent, but donations can be sent to St Clare Hospice, Hastingwood Road, Hastingwood, Harlow, Essex, CM17 9JX, including the person's name and address, or taken to the funeral.