CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS 1. What’s to be demonstrated by professional at his place (11) 7. Severe reprimands? Light blue touch-paper and retire! (7) 9. Wicked comeback broadcast as it happens (4) 11. Hard up for cash for a nip of whisky? (5) 12. Counterfeiter discovered right at the end of smithy (6) 14. Linen and scales needed to show it’s not dirty (11) 18. Water-filled hollow to make watertight with clay (6) 20. Grant everything, but nothing to the West (5) 22. What grows underground is a mathematical function (4) 23. To free it, take another letting agreement (7) 24. Sort of army rite or trail-making (11) DOWN 2. Petroleum got from stone is nothing to the Italian (4,3) 3. Window-frame one has over one’s shoulder? (4) 4. Best that such indebtedness should be giving (5) 5. Bumptious attempt? That’s about right! (5) 6. Academician turned up in bed with hair on his face (5) 8. Liar sent packing, but it took guts (8) 10. Trouble afoot, the West being everything to the Duchy (8) 13. The aged glory of the American flag (3) 15. King’s favourite dried fruit (7) 16. Bright youngster starts slowly to leave the car (5) 17. We get in a clique that’s charming and delightful (5) 19. Was at the wheel with a number of cattle (5) 21. Firmness of character makes one grind one’s teeth (4) YESTERDAY’S SOLUTION: Across 1. Gazette 5. Voice 8. Trapped 9. Glove 10. Elopement 12. Sat 13. Thumb 17. Rid 19. Rendering 21. Parka 22. Capture 24. Sedan 25. Empress Down 1. Gather 2. Zealous 3. Tap 4. Endue 5. Vegetable 6. Icons 7. Exerts 11. Entertain 14. Epicure 15. Drapes 16. Egress 18. Dared 20. Niche 23. Pip