CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1. Gin to be exchanged for a bar of gold (5)

4. Sort of pump one could get one’s foot into (7)

8. Not wanting a fight, though capable of using twice the energy

(9)

9. Except for this, it’s a drinking-place (3)

10. Makes oneself liked, which will finish off the listeners (7)

12. A sad athlete representing his university (4)

14. Some are always in little Sarah’s embrace (7)

17. A work put up so awkwardly (4)

18. Tuneful as old mice can be (7)

20. The sort to remove the top of the pinta (3)

21. In party spirits I join Viv, Al and Con for a get-together (9)

23. Foot-worked machine part can be altered (7)

24. He’s had it, one being taken in by King George (5)

DOWN

1. Artist who gave an impersonation would sit around (13)

2. Keeps watch over regiments of soldiers (6)

3. One is one for seven years (8)

4. Sound unhappy, therefore start blubbing (3)

5. Something listed as a couple regarded as one (4)

6. Very rude about Blair on the day (6)

7. The style is Gothic – straight up! (13)

11. How ship would put to sea in the days after sail (5)

13. Is leaping at this type of ceiling (8)

15. The fastener may bend and break (6)

16. Boy and air he disturbs (6)

19. Driven cloud they made a missile of (4)

22. Born, as a woman, in endless want (3)