CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 Superior stock fear her presence when aroused (10,5) 9 Policeman on street intercepting urgent message (9)

10 Boxer’s time in top tier of celebrities (1-4)

11 False tale about strength of character (5)

12 Novel article in shop, kind of ceramic (9)

13 Calls to package the woman’s fruit (8) 14 Religious education needed by man who has big shoes to fill? (6) 16 Back round university, indolent (6) 18 Sentimental upright type given endless credit (8) 22 Supporters get mad gathering in honour of United (9) 23 Rectified insult after scrapping in a US city (5) 24 In trial I bid case for acquittal (5)

25 Easily persuaded man to take up jangling a bell (9) 26 Enjoy your company, but clear off (3,5,4,3) DOWN

1 Calm account provided in movie (7)

2 Dress in ermine, standing up in novel bonnet (7) 3 Rue inept learner clumsily advancing business (15) 4 Captain in Eastern sea showing relief (8) 5 Greek island retaining leftist systems of belief (6) 6 Senate attempt to revolt including leaders of Democrats and Republicans in branch of US government (5,10) 7 Excite special quality in semiprecious stone (7) 8 Beg companion to be excused from ballet manoeuvre (7) 15 Old King’s rule for salad item (8)

16 Whole lot chanted about Hebrews (7) 17 Country-lover’s colourful display topped by Irishman (7) 19 Agree to restrict nasty smell made by piece of furniture (7)

20 Two refreshing cups taken by high-class country house (7) 21 Swimmer married in elegant room (6)