NELLY - NELLY AND DUPRI TO HOST CHRISTMAS BASH FOR KIDS

Hip-hop star NELLY is teaming up with his producer pal JERMAINE DUPRI to host "Atlanta's Biggest Christmas party" for hundreds of underprivileged children later today (16DEC04).

More than 1,200 youngsters from the Georgia city will enjoy a night filled with music, games, toys and fun at the Dunbar Recreation Center, with the stars handing out more than 3,000 toys ahead of the Christmas holidays.

Dupri, boyfriend of pop superstar JANET JACKSON, says, "I love Atlanta and I've always tried to do the best I comes to supporting the Atlanta community-at-large.

"I also know what its like to be left out at Christmas, so now I'm at place where I can try and make the holidays a little brighter for kids that do not have a lot and probably expect nothing."

Dupri and Nelly spent a total of $10,000 (GBP5,263) on gifts for the children.