He's man's best friend - in life and death.

A Chinese man's dog has been keeping a vigil at his graveside since his death earlier this month.

Lao Pan, 68, lived in a house in the village of Panjiatun near Qingdao city with only his dog for company.

But following his death, the dog has refused to budge from his graveside.

He went seven days without food before concerned villagers decided to step in. According to local reports they took it back to the village and gave it some buns. However, the dog took the buns and returned to the grave.

The villagers are now taking food and water to the dog and plan to build a kennel at the graveyard.