Trance DJ Robert Miles best known for his 1990s hit Children has died at the age of 47 after a months-long battle with cancer, the online radio he founded said today.

The Swiss-born Italian, whose real name is Roberto Concina, died in Ibiza, Spain, after a 'courageous battle' with the disease.

Miles topped the charts in at least 12 countries with his 1995 dance track Children, which sold more than five million copies by the end of 1997 and earned the artist a Brit Award. It was said to have been produced at a cost of only £150.

Veteran DJ Pete Tong and singer Boy George have led tributes to the hit-maker.

Gary Barlow watches as pop star Louise presents Robert Miles with a Brit Award for Best International Newcomer in 1997. The Trance DJ has died at 47 after a battle with cancer

DJ Robert Miles (pictured) famous for his 1990s hit Children has died at the age of 47, it has emerged

Miles topped the charts in at least 12 countries with his 1995 dance track Children, which sold more than five million copies by the end of 1997 and earned the artist a Brit Award

'Robert passed away peacefully last night after a courageous battle with stage 4 metastatic cancer over the last 9 months,' OpenLab, which also broadcasts on traditional airwaves in the Balearic islands of Ibiza and Formentera, said on its Facebook page.

'Throughout it he was strong, determined, incredibly brave and did everything he could to fight this horrendous disease,' it said.

'Robert was more than just an artist, he was a pioneer, a creator, an inspiration, a son, a father, our friend.'

His longtime friend Joe T Vanelli is quoted as saying: 'The tragic news of the death of a very talented artist of our time, makes me incredulous and upset.

The Swiss-born Italian, whose real name is Roberto Concina, died in Ibiza, Spain, after a 'courageous battle' with the disease

Miles (pictured in 1997) released six studio albums with the biggest commercial success being Dreamland in 1996 which made the Top 10 in seven countries

'I will miss the fights, brawls, criticism, judgements but especially your talent in finding sounds and melodies unparalleled.'

Miles released six studio albums with the biggest commercial success being Dreamland in 1996 which made the Top 10 in seven countries.

In 1997, he was named Best International Male Newcomer at the Brit Awards - the only Italian to have received a gong at the annual music showpiece.

He later collaborated with other famous artists such as Nitin Sawhney, and worked on projects including the music of the film 'The Bourne Identity' starring Matt Damon.

Veteran House DJ Pete Tong took to Twitter to pay tribute to the Trance pioneer, who has died at the age of 47

Another 1990s DJ, Darude, also paid tribute to Miles, who died of an undisclosed illness

His last studio album was Th1rt3en, released in 2011 on Salt Records.

After releasing Children, which earned Miles platinum records in many countries worldwide, and a string of other successful hits, he focused more on producing and eventually launched the Open Lab Balearic radio station.

News of his death was first reported by DJ Mag Italia.

Veteran House DJ Pete Tong was among those to pay tribute to the Trance pioneer.

He wrote on Twitter: 'Sad to hear Robert Miles passing r.i.p thanks for the music #deconstruction#classichouse.

Dutch DJ Armin van Buuren and Canadian musicians Adventure Club were among those to pay tribute this morning

Boy George wrote: 'RIP Robert Miles. Very sad news.'

And music producer Chicane wrote: 'Oh wow, so sad to hear the news on Robert Miles. I only played Children two weeks ago on SunSets.... I wished I had written it. RIP.'

Miles also enjoyed success with the track Fable and the album Dreamland. He was based in Ibiza, where he is reported to have died.