CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

16/10 ACROSS

1. I’d returned to firm’s workers on the female side (7)

5. Coastal steamer an electric vehicle quietly finished off (5)

8. A ticket you in France endlessly consider dear (7)

9. One returning gold to US city seemingly mocked by fate (5)

10. Beneath setter and boxer, they’re considered unlikely to win (9)

12. A sprite heads European literary fables (3)

13. Right in the midst of volcanic outflow there’s grub (5)

17. In the Year of our Lord one, some assistance was provided (3)

19. Such fine children, these relatives (9)

21. Note on dressing that will sparkle a little (5)

22. What to spend overseas a priest might get sorted out (7)

24. Greatly fear to be defunct when right inside (5)

25. Don’t interrupt what you’re doing? What a to-do! (5-2)

DOWN

1. Pious bird of peace disturbed, but losing head (6)

2. A cold tremor 24 thus produced at being excluded (7)

3. Organisation against necessity for such a tray (3)

4. Do without fat at quitting, or depart (5)

5. Is striving for scores on rugby field difficult! (5,4)

6. Residence rating an appreciation in verse (5)

7. Fall away to leeward that’s the denouement (3-3)

11. Sent down a division to find papal ambassador in scarlet (9)

14. Whisky or gin, say – leisurely first and last, soon (7)

15. Was moved to express canine pleasure finally (6)

16. A part of the vessel that’s back at sea (6)

18. Enthusiasm shown by redhead in low haunt (5)

20. Like fifty per cent of the picket, it wobbles (5)

23. The outward appearance one may make public (3)