Observer Everyman

Across

1. Catch pitiful vehicle with ticket in end (12)

9. Dreams, short of rations, about jelly (5)

10. Cruelly inexperienced, losing wicket, undone initially by cunning (9)

11. Artist, joined by number in Italian city, left without natural explanation (10)

12. Follow story from speaker (4)

14. Engineers in group agreed (7)

16. Mild chapter, part lacking energy (7)

17. One inclined to question power in sect not usually in charge (7)

18. Landed in south, confused (7)

20. Piece on board for bird (4)

21. Jump around front of stage with crowd captivated by famous people (4-6)

24. Essentially needing a bit of money before meeting (9)

25. Last letter from troublesome gangster (5)

26. Influential figure in field, mostly dull and undemanding (7,5)

Down

1. New rule up on red gate in part of airport (9,6)

2. Poor judge after support (6-4)

3. Staff upset about extremes of erratic colour scheme (5)

4. Partnerships completely ruined in case (9)

5. Run temperature? Nonsense (4)

6. French author, fantastic but vague, falters (7,8)

7. Mass to occupy top American college area (6)

8. Look at rent making small hole (6)

13. Wilful leader’s weight about right? Good (10)

15. Sporting event strangely not held outside California (9)

17. Bits of satire I’d cite that aren’t even accurate (6)

19. Youngster put up with tacky stuff in order (6)

22. Rector’s first love? University, endlessly splendid (5)

23. Produced signal to stop following bishop (4)