CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

Across

1. Fast transport round school (6,5) 9. Power that can be cultivated makes a good story (7) 10. Story about strong drink or soft drink (7) 11. Note read out that surprises me (3) 12. As a rule, American supporter defends uniform (7) 13. Good girls see through these (7) 14. A contribution to several periods (3) 15. Ejecting odd bits, savour steak — there’s blood in it (5) 17. Follow parent’s teaching (5) 18. London theatre’s romantic lines (5) 20. Some Arab horses can’t stand (5) 22. Heavyweight not making a comeback (3) 24. Underwear, and where it’s kept (7) 25. Cool lefty is backing guy with privileged information (7) 26. Container 23 less hard (3) 27. Get ready to fence section of kitchen garden (2,5) 28. 1930s style foreign trade company (3,4) 29. Quick non-stop trip by you and me (11)

Down

1. Tug mariner baled out where some ships vanished (7,8) 2. Plant, liable to collapse, injected with oxygen (7) 3. Lament, say, in cathedral city (5) 4. Send message to snare husband stealing most of 3 (9) 5. Equip gang with weapons as sign of allegiance maybe (7) 6. NHS residents age after treatment for eye problem (4-11) 7. Smarten up wood supplier (6) 8. George is happily hugging hostess (6) 16. Read about old posters before opening of Thames anchorage (9) 18. Large snake’s problem with hose (6) 19. Resolve to put away rubbish (5,2) 21. Teacher brought up German dish (7) 23. Slender new missile (6) 25. Stir paint that’s unsuitable (5)