CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 Levity is unpleasant for the elderly (8) 5 Learned thoroughly from Englishwoman or Irishman (3,3) 9 About to get showiest clothes in factory? (8) 10 Place to get drinks by river — the Spanish beer’s found in this? (6) 11 ‘Jack, find the answer!’ ‘Pardon?’ (7) 12 Metalworker, one whose plans became firm? (7) 13 Sheet anchor (11) 16 Excessive admiration — from Leander? (4-7)

21 Take another partner, for better or worse (7) 22 Engineers and workers meeting as old friends? (7) 23 Not in suitable gear (6) 24 Convinced it is more than zero (8) 25 Cupboard showing built-in clock, erroneously?

On the contrary (6) 26 Extremely healthy, or OK (4,4) DOWN

1 Treasurer that’s bent rubs artist up the wrong way (6) 2 Reduce tension in exercise after low marks (6) 3 Frenchman’s negative before lager is served up, designed to prevent falling over? (3-4) 4 Seething angry, depart social gathering (6,5) 6 Main film has exploit on northern river (7) 7 Example is made of soldier — understand thousand supporting that (8) 8 Stand, strange to relate (8) 12 In addition, hide article on Resistance, said Heath (11)

14 Dark grey tea Carol brewed (8) 15 A capital — as the locals write it, it faces north, cold and fragrant (8) 17 Raised unrefined, enjoy being bellicose (7) 18 According to the radio, deprived urban area shows dearth (7) 19 Look pleased about one’s figure (6)

20 Begun realignment to reveal fake (6)