CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: NO. 28,443

Across

1 Some French chief returning, in charge and authoritarian (8) 6 Very large vehicles getting awards (6) 9 In haste pupils advance (4,2) 10 Begin a fight after series of tennis games (3,5) 11 Pole working with me embraces you as a member of staff (8) 12 Something dry and fruity is favoured by artist (6) 13 Mushrooms the French female provided for singers to eat (12) 16 Contradict part of argument that may be used by composer (12) 19 An entrance’s gemstones (6) 21 Textual changes in respect of western ceremonies (8) 23 Source of annoyance – undergarments I have rubbing (8) 24 Beyond redemption? You can’t help that! (3,3) 25 Bill gathers information, joining unknown business (6) 26 Waiting is irksome – a visitor finally comes in (8)

Down

2 Ben excitedly grabs another man in Bury (6) 3 Badly written stuff, a line from the Vatican (5) 4 Sticky pea, horrible thing to munch (5,4) 5 Little son that is joining another in bed becomes most comfortable (7) 6 Animal showing excessive hesitation (5) 7 Message coming on time outside port – carriage required (9) 8 Any number in erudite mingling, as old students meeting each other (8) 13 Limit studies before school (9) 14 Waiter ran around – something leaking through the roof? (9) 15 Chow for the chow in this possibly? (5-3) 17 Warning – river beginning to rise. shelter! (7) 18 Get back control, having penned good article (6) 20 Bright sun greeting American city (5) 22 Particular use of language in club secretary’s conclusion (5)