BALLROOM was beyond Tony and Melanie Baker until a charity ball invitation helped them find their dancing feet.

The pair are going to the ball at London hotel Claridges next month to support the Head and Neck Cancer Research Trust. Mr Baker is in remission from mouth cancer.

As the event is in the famous Claridges ballroom, they decided to do things in style by learning to dance and wearing glamorous outfits.

Mrs Baker, who will be wearing a dress made by Malvern's Bridal Gallery, said dancing lessons had been difficult because her husband had "no rhythm whatsoever".

"But what we realised after he got cancer is we needed to find something we could do together and dancing is fantastic - you have to do it together," she said.

The Head and Neck Cancer Research Trust is a new charity set up by Peter Rhys Evans, the surgeon who performed a life-saving operation on Mr Baker.

"If it wasn't for Peter, Tony wouldn't be here now. We'll be forever in his debt," said Mrs Baker. "We felt this was a great way to give something back and celebrate life."

When he was first diagnosed with oral cancer at the base of his tongue in 1999, Mr Baker was treated with radiotherapy.

In 2002, the tumour returned and he was faced with six months to live or having a large part of his mouth removed.

After surgery, he still has residual speech and swallowing problems but feels lucky to be alive.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, Mr and Mrs Baker attended the London launch of a Cancer Research UK campaign to raise the profile of oral cancer. Mr Baker is chairman of Cancer Research UK's Malvern local committee.

To donate to the Head and Neck Cancer Research Trust, call 0207 8082209.