CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

Across

1. Very old account describing folding chair (7) 5. Notice limiting comedian’s filthy material (6) 9. It’s to be put on weapon carried by bloke (7) 10. Send back stuff to do with one inventor (7) 11. Show contempt for mistake? Not half! (3) 12. Hurls off-roader over close to motorway police (6,5) 13. Just scrubbing top is very bad (5) 14. What bachelor Ted arranged with Linda? (5,4) 16. Professional air upset one’s prediction (9) 17. Restless husband’s in city, working (5) 19. Excellent writer’s present place on top (11) 22. Employ American English (3) 23. Preferring the best European catalogue to include it (7) 24. Superior former officer punches a journalist (7) 26. Special charge covers river walk (6) 27. Did hope and despair spread? (7)

Down

1. A large compound confines British subject (7) 2. Impact of burning coal that’s left by miner? (6,9) 3. Chop front of 24 back (3) 4. Nasty times in Caribbean island (5) 5. It calls up leaders of Civil Service for linguistic subject (9) 6. Factory is successful (5) 7. A lot of stars cook local Ulster grub (8,7) 8. Nervous bride secures one good score on course (6) 12. Avoiding line, attacked criminal (5) 14. Cellar doesn’t hold new aluminium or tin, for example (4,5) 15. Power supplied by underground river (5) 16. Badger’s safe crossing top of street (6) 18. Bore admitted defeat (7) 20. Money? It’s becoming rare in Africa (5) 21. Ring for each amateur musical work (5) 25. A politician’s current measure (3)