A well-known singing teacher in Bradford has died after a 20-year battle against cancer - an illness that robbed her of her singing voice.

Mary Coles, 62, died peacefully at her home in Leaventhorpe Lane, near Thornton, last Thursday from breast cancer.

Her struggle with cancer first began in 1980 when she was diagnosed with cervical cancer. Although she was given the all-clear in 1985, the disease returned four years later to her breast.

She underwent four bouts of radiotherapy which eventually lost her the ability to sing. But she kept up a courageous fighting spirit, says her husband and singing partner Geoffrey.

The couple, who met in 1966 as members of Bradford Opera Appreciation Society, entertained world-cruise passengers and toured America together. In Britain they made a name for themselves with their wide repertoire from baroque to Gilbert & Sullivan. They starred in musicals, pantos, on concert and recital platforms - and even as extras on TV soaps Emmerdale and Coronation Street.

Mary taught at Bradford Grammar School until 1993 when ill-health forced her to retire. She also taught at the city's Footsteps and Stage '84 stage schools and until two years ago was teaching students privately at home.

Val Jackson, of Stage '84, said: "She was an excellent teacher and the children thoroughly enjoyed her classes. She was a very brave lady who I respected and admired."

In 2001, radiotherapy took its toll on Mary's singing voice. Mr Coles, 60, said: "She had a beautiful voice. Losing it was terrible but she was a courageous lady and managed to keep up a brave face.

"She was very special, special not just to me but to all the people who knew her, worked with her, sung with her and were taught by her."

In the last four years Mary developed her love of the arts by learning to paint at Bradford Cancer Support Centre in Daisy Bank.

Mr Coles said: "Painting was something she'd always wanted to do. She loved it and it's been a great joy to her and others who've seen her work."

Mourners from all over the country are expected at Mary's funeral on Wednesday at the Church of Jesus Christ Later Day Saints in Wheatlands Crescent, Heaton. The service starts at 1pm.