CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS 1 One noted for stubborn tenacity making target with almighty backing (7) 5 Granted time for deliberation (7) 9 Frolicking inside college in outskirts of Swindon? Best say nothing (7,2,6) 10 Coats designed for an opera (5) 11 Of high quality, prize trophy goes west (3-6) 12 Applied, being sensible (9) 14 Fish, first from babbling brook (5) 15 One who sells tins, rye and soda? (5) 16 Dismissed in style? Say what you’re thinking (3,4,2) 18 Aims often set out in this (9) 21 Male, when working, is one who dresses stone (5) 22 Medical condition of an old king – a version inaccurately advanced (8,7) 23 A place to eat? Daughter and I clear end of table (7) 24 Greek character reportedly regarded as drunk (3-4) DOWN 1 Kiss before drug, keeling over in roadside shelter? (3,4) 2 Scottish pop diva’s footballer being dragged along on new song (5,4,2,4) 3 Yorkshire town established by duke, eccentric ancestor (9) 4 Visitor figured in conversation (5) 5 Airman up for trial? (4,5) 6 Atmosphere in office, initially gloomy (5) 7 Fail school subject – but be remembered (2,4,2,7) 8 Climber needs to catch up on correct procedure, mostly (7) 13 Blaze under bridge, something one doesn’t want to be caught in (9) 14 Damage that is seen after child runs off vessel used by cook (4-5) 15 Attack doctor dividing committee (7) 17 Pot if tense? Head of agency drank bubbly (7) 19 Fast naval force (5) 20 Admit academic robe’s no good at university (3,2)

Thursday’s Puzzle Solved