The 79-year-old Weng Hanyang takes a photo with his former students at a nursing home in Ningbo, East China's Zhejiang province. [Photo/Ningbo Evening News]

A group of people in Ningbo, East China's Zhejiang province are taking care of their former teacher who treated them as his own children more than 50 years ago.

Weng Hanyang was a teacher at Dongfeng Primary School in Yuyao county. In 1963, the then-22-year-old Weng became an instructor of the class of 1966. He was popular among students as he was able to make teaching fun, teaching various musical instruments and encouraging them to participate in competitions.

He treated his students with patience and love. "My father died and my mother remarried at that time," recalled Lou Jinjiang, part of the class of 1966, "Mr Weng always invited me to have dinner at his home and took good care of me."

After graduating from the school, the students still kept in touch with Weng, visiting him on weekends and holidays.

"I've lost track how many times they've visited us over the past 55 years," said Shao Peibei, Weng's wife and also a former teacher, "We have no children. They always say that they are on call at all times."

Weng was diagnosed with Alzheimer's this year. To take better care of him and his wife, the students sent them to a nursing home in May. They are divided into three groups and take turns visiting Weng weekly, talking and dining with him.

Shao was touched, saying "Lifelong companionship with one's students is the best thing for a teacher."