Police clashed with protestors on Wednesday evening

Home affairs and justice ministers from the world's most powerful countries were in the city for three days.

Ten people were arrested during two nights of protests against the meeting.

But Mr Hughes said on Friday that these were only a tiny minority of the protesters who gathered in the city and were allowed to make their views known.

"We've experienced no serious disorder during the conference period and have facilitated the right to lawful protest outside each of the functions the ministers have attended," he said.

Three people were arrested on Wednesday evening in the city centre as police in riot gear guarded the area near the Winter Garden where a civic reception was being held for the ministers.

Protesters fixed banners to bridges

Seven more were held on Thursday evening as the delegates attended a dinner at the Cutlers' Hall.

Out of the 10 people arrested, nine were charged with public order offences while a 16-year-old girl was given a verbal caution.

Mr Hughes added: "It would be wrong to say it hasn't been a testing time. But I believe the months of planning and dedication of the staff involved has paid off."

The protests were organised by Sheffield Stop the War Coalition which argued that the war on terrorism was threatening civil liberties and that the G8 ministers should focus on the fight against poverty.