CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: NO. 28,369

Across 1 In a hurry to go after firm in financial difficulties (4-7) 9 Stress needing Junior to queue (9) 10 Names conditions (5) 11 Puzzle that’s new in processing image (6) 12 Bank subsidy about to disappear (8) 13 Scratch session after game (3,3) 15 Cruel but popular chap put in shade (8) 18 Party people’s contribution (8) 19 Comments overheard when accommodating team? (6) 21 Wife after company loses footing getting flowers (8) 23 Billions invested in tired horses (6) 26 Daughter with scar brooded (5) 27 Taking in and converting into cash (9) 28 Lost pilot greets one providing a moving experience (11)

Down

1 Arrogance of Mann shunning human nature perversely (7) 2 More than one spoke in ring (5) 3 Soldier on hill is of the greatest importance (9) 4 No good in vaudeville (4) 5 Cutting losses at last, prior to trial (8)

6 Old-fashioned parent eats these without stuffing (5)

7 Award for old crossword compiler, right to rise to the top (7)

8 ‘Carte blanche’ should be written this way? (8)

14 Growth of problem with river flowing north (8)

16 Out of bed, scenery becomes disturbing (9)

17 My quiet test for a member of the armed services (8)

18 Case of delicate fruity drink providing the final contest (7)

20 Manual dexterity of son with learner crew (7) 22 Lull, with lease finishing (3-2) 24 Mainly lacking vision, one dish from Russia (5)

25 Fish expert suppressed by Germany (4)