Dance teacher Maureen Barkham, who founded the Maureen Cockram School of Dancing under her maiden name, has died of leukaemia.

Mrs Barkham, daughter of former Swindon mayor the late Ted Cockram, was already a dance teacher while in her teens.

She led classes at a studio in the garden of her parents’ home at George Street, and at Queens Drive Methodist hall, as well as at Wootton Bassett and Marlborough.

She staged many shows locally, and her students achieved much success in exams of The Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing, and at dance festivals, particularly at Weston-super-mare and at Longwell Green, Bristol.

When she and her husband Rob moved to Carhampton in Somerset, Mrs Barkham continued to teach and, after they moved back to Swindon eight years ago, she taught an adult tap class in Gorse Hill.

She continued to teach, even after she became ill, and her fine tradition of excellence is continued by former pupil Kate Lawrence, now principal of the Wootton Bassett School of Dance.

Mrs Barkham was keenly interested in costume, and over the years acquired a collection of dolls in national and period dress.

Her beloved husband Rob died last year, six days after their golden wedding. They have one daughter, Serena, and two grandchildren – Georgina, 18, and Brittany, 16.

Memorial donations for the Prospect Hospice may be sent to Hillier Funeral Service, 170 Victoria Road, Swindon SN1 3DF.