The use of a dog harness – with a little help from a canine companion – has helped a schoolgirl continue her studies, it has been reported.

Danielle Ciccotti, who attends the Norwich Free Academy (NFA), uses the equipment to help her stay on the move between classes, according to the local Bulletin news source.

The 15-year-old suffers from ataxia and can struggle with walking – something Golden Retriever Rover is helping to alleviate.

His primary job is make sure Ms Ciccotti maintains her balance, while giving her the confidence to continue at the school rather than have lessons at home, the news provider relayed.

Watching the pair in action, paraprofessional at NFA Karen Joly remarked: "I’m going to cry. This is her first day back with the dog and she is standing up straight and smiling."

It is not the first instance of a dog harness being deployed to help a student stay on the move.

Earlier this year, the Irish Independent reported on the case of Orla Jordan, who uses the gear with her canine companion Alice.