CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1. Take a firm hold on car control (6)

8. Set of bells to get in and join the argument (5)

9. There’s strife in crossing a footballer (7)

11. It is about measurement consisting of verses (8)

12. Don’t go on putting energy into a lawsuit (5)

15. Some dress a rich Hindu lady in it (4)

16. Only half stop being a bit fishy (3)

17. Got chilled as 1st December returned, in short (4)

19. As nimble as the Italian appears in senility (5)

21. It is vast and boundless, and in 16 it starts yodelling (8)

24. Ariel turned on King Edward at a previous time (7)

25. Should be running smoothly, being lit (5)

26. Tended one who turned red with sun (6)

DOWN

2. At which one is free to be lax (5)

3. Whips not responsible for such a village area (8)

4. Damage has not been concluded by the Marines (4)

5. A music book will achieve its goal (5)

6. Record is established in the District of Columbia (4)

7. Took a tumble, which may have been deadly (4) 5/11

10. Duettist might have started evening without a penny (9)

12. Work out price of getting sleepyhead into bed (4)

13. It is curious that there shouldn’t be more than one of it (8)

14. It is unedifying to be doing nothing (4)

18. An electrode does without six letters (5)

20. In glee turned one into lord or vassal (5)

21. Make one study symbol activated by mouse (4)

22. Go one behind the other to put the papers away (4)

23. It shows one is weary of direction up North (4)