CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS 1. Official paper will look fixedly at race at end of June (7) 5. Nothing in immorality that one can put into words (5) 8. Leave backwards, quietly enheartened, but then get caught (7) 9. A handy thing to start game with nothing on court (5) 10. With marriage in mind, top people twist with eel perhaps (9) 12. Was in session in South Africa at start of turmoil (3) 13. A handy thing for little Tom (5) 17. Clear one of appearing in the road, shortly (3) 19. Applying plaster when giving one’s version of artistic work (9) 21. Father goes round the vessel in a raincoat (5) 22. Seize head-covering true to form (7) 24. Sort of palanquin one might take from the Andes (5) 25. She sent me back to the papers, she was so powerful (7) DOWN 1. Infer it is what a dressmaker might do (6) 2. Sue Zola for being so devoted (7) 3. Draw off what may provide one with water (3) 4. Then it’s only half needed when expected to clothe one (5) 5. Beg leave to differ about beet finally being one such plant (9) 6. Orthodox images found in picnic on Sunday (5) 7. Terse arrangement about box finally brings it into operation (6) 11. Have guests to receive and take into consideration (9) 14. A long story, certain not to begin with a fussy eater (7) 15. Medical man copies the curtains (6) 16. Outgoing, for example, re-engaged on ship (6) 18. Issued challenge to the dead perhaps, right in the centre (5) 20. Pleasant to hold hydrogen where there’s space in the wall (5) 23. Marking of one’s card to beat one to the post (3) YESTERDAY’S SOLUTION: Across 1. Bible 4. Impetus 8. Olive 9. Fly-half 10. Gag 11. Termagant 12. Task 13. Trim 18. Ostracise 20. Cat 21. Oration 22. Laugh 23. Kennels 24. Hates Down 1. Brought to book 2. Bridges 3. Exerts 4. Inform 5. Pay-day 6. Tiara 7. Safety matches 14. Recount 15. Malice 16. Fiends 17. Health 19. Train