Wang Xia from Nanjing City in eastern China has sat the exams ten times since 2001, when authorities abolished the upper age limit, and four other times when he was younger.

Despite having failed every time, Mr Wang says he has 'prepared thoroughly' and hopes for better luck this year.

Pictures of him arriving at the examination hall on Sunday morning have inspired people across the country.

Mr Wang is believed to be the oldest candidate sitting the 'gaokao' exams this year, which are sat by more than nine million teenagers in China every year.

He had to be helped by a police officer and his driver into the examination hall due to his deteriorating mobility.

Speaking before the exam, he said: 'I have prepared thoroughly this time. I am not nervous and will do my very best.'

n 2007, Nanjing Medical University awarded him an honorary degree but Mr Wang says he will not rest until he gets a proper degree.

His family said that he should continue taking the exams if it made him happy.

(Daily mail)