CRYPTIC CROSSWORD NO 1,069

For today’s solutions, text CLUE followed by the clue (eg: ‘CLUE 1 Down’) to 53307 Across 1 Three should take EU characters from the outset (9). 6 Tidy pages round the edge (5). 9 Oriental doctor people hug (7). 10 Expatiate on general chaos (7). 11 Slow learner, caught in sandhill (5). 12 Careful strategies disguised map angles (4,5). 14 Discover South America (3). 15 Digression for mum or dad with lad and little sister (11). 17 One who is speaking to leader? (5,6). 19 Can fool get back? (3). 20 Pledge return of gold held by gift recipient (9). 22 Promoter of rising cheers terrific start (5). 24 Fancy vehicle — whichever — without maintenance (7). 26 Average cut vegetable (7). 27 Cheerless democrat placed at the back (5). 28 Dump kinky search app (9). Down 1 Their empty purpose is to become popular online (5). 2 Fixes publication leftists are about to discard (7). 3 Did not move in Tuesday PT assembly (6,3). 4 Rainwear, for example, manifest around fish workers (11). 5 Proper to adduce every second (3). 6 Vacant lady into fizzy liquor gets such a tumour (5). 7 Popular ways to make encroachments (7). 8 Keeps going, with irons working (7,2). 13 Pits one in tears against naval vessel (11). 14 Protect reliable police officer (9). 16 Sharpen upcoming celebration with blackmail scheme (5-4). 18 Know to stand up, grasping another ale (7). 19 One learns of excellent name in pedigree (7). 21 A love affair by morning for us (5). 23 Boost for forward young dog (3,2). 25 To be sure, try these clues finally (3).