Jacko to receive humanitarian award

Michael Jackson is expected to travel to Washington on Thursday to receive an award for his humanitarian work in Africa.

The singer, who is facing trial in the US over allegations of child abuse, is being honoured by the African Ambassadors' Spouses Association.

The singer's donations to Africa have helped build hospitals and schools and develop child immunisation programmes. His humanitarian efforts include the foundation of two charities, Heal The World in 1992 and Heal The Kids in 2000.

Last week it was announced that the boy at the centre of the child abuse allegations would testify in front of a grand jury in Santa Barbara, California.

Candidates for the grand jury received summonses earlier in the month telling them to report for duty. A pre-trial hearing is expected to take place on April 2.