Police have hailed this year's St Paul's Carnival a great success after no major crime incidents were reported.

A total of 20 crimes were reported during the day, which included nine thefts, two robberies, eight assaults and one count of criminal damage.

But unlike last year there were no more serious crimes committed at the celebration of Afro-Caribbean culture on Saturday.

In 2007 Somalian Mohamoud Hassan was stabbed to death after an incident in a St Paul's pub on carnival night after the main event had finished. And in 2001 a series of shootings led to the following year's event being cancelled.

Avon and Somerset police have described this year's statistics as a "welcome improvement" on previous years and said they would welcome an even bigger event next year.

Tens of thousands of people enjoyed the sunshine on the day, as the rain held off for the ever-popular event.

But it is not all good news, as organisers are facing an estimated shortfall of £10,000 in the costs of running the carnival.

They had planned to take collections at the carnival to help plug the gap but were prevented by red tape from walking among the crowds collecting donations.

Some static collection points were set up but not all of the money has come in yet.

A spokesman said the board would be meeting later this week to discuss the matter, and would not be able to say whether all the event's costs had been covered before then.

Police officers and staff handed out crime fighting advice and free gifts designed to keep party-goers and their property safe.

Superintendent Julian Moss said: "We were delighted to be part of carnival this year.

"The day was a huge success with tens of thousands of carnival-goers enjoying the atmosphere and the beautiful weather.

"The St Paul's area was flooded with party-goers throughout the day and into the night but despite large numbers of people turning out for the event I'm pleased that reported crime was relatively low and that there were no major incidents. This is a welcomed improvement on previous years where more serious crimes were committed.

"St Paul's Carnival is a great cultural event in Bristol's calendar which the police fully support.

"We are already looking forward to an even bigger and better event next year."

Party-goers flocked to the police community contact vehicle in Portland Square throughout the day.

Police staff and officers were on hand to give out advice and free gifts, including personal attack alarms, property marking kits and 850 helium balloons were also handed out to children throughout the day.