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This 12-year-old schoolboy has carried his best friend to school every day for the past six years.

His friend, Zhang Ze, was diagnosed with an incurable muscle condition known as rag doll disease at the age of four, according to Sichuan Online.

The rare disease, myasthenia gravis, means he has no control over his leg muscles and can’t walk unaided.

At the age of six, Zhang’s friend Xu Bingyang realised there was something he could do to help his friend.

Xu began giving Zhang a piggyback to and from school every day, and between classes. The two friends, now 12 years old, attend the Hebazi Town Central Primary School in China’s Sichuan province.

In an interview last month, Zhang told Sichuan Online: “Xu Bingyang is my best friend. Every day, he studies with me, chats with me and plays with me. I thank him to look after me like this every day.”

Zhang explained how his friend also helps him with other tasks like refilling his water bottle, handing in his homework and going to the bathroom.

A teacher at the primary school told reporters: “For so many years, Xu has continued doing good deeds and never complained in front of the teachers and classmates.”

Xu played down the praise of his selfless act, saying it was his pleasure to be his friend’s “walking stick”.

“I weigh more than 40kg and Zhang Ze only weighs about 25kg, so it’s okay for me to carry him,” he said.

The young hero, who is described by teachers as hardworking, down-to-earth and mature, allegedly hadn’t even told his mother about his special support of his friend. She said she only found out about her son’s acts of kindness from the other pupils.

When asked about the future, Xu said his biggest wish was to carry on helping others and volunteering for society when he grows up.