CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

Across

1. Does his wife do this when Zulu’s heading off at night? (7)

5. A French painter’s stand nearly creating anxiety (6)

9. Where boredom is dissipated? (7)

10. Many travellers go through this dry wine (7)

11. Day return taking in northern port ... (3)

12. ... one that checks randomly for poetry books coming in (4,2,5)

13. Number Three needs fixing (5)

14. Like racing cars, penalised after pumping in air (4-5)

16. Restricted old state is blocking source of light (9)

17. Teaching graduate to follow trail (5)

19. Pet eel buoyed by waves

(4-4,3)

22. Start to like Italian books (3)

23. In which to learn sculpture or painting (3,4)

24. Some Italians, new and old, tucked into poultry (7)

26. Carbon fibre drawer (6)

27. All leaders in Yorkshire hunt stop to cry during it (5-2)

Down

1. It’s taken by one who’s offended posh doctor with passion (7)

2. He returned specially to hide amount acquired illegally (5-3-7)

3. Amateur cook’s confusion (3)

4. After rising, soldiers eat first of milled cereal (5)

5. Plain new 3 in vessel emerged gutted (9)

6. Spooky European lake (5)

7. Filming right inside ship’s kitchen is fair game (8,7)

8. Hung around, supported by guys? (6)

12. Jeopardy for each one left (5)

14. Angler provided upturned tank (9)

15. Twenty went off to bring in unusual hot drink (5)

16. Large Scotsman wel comed by North African (6)

18. Develop trade and business movement in the 1920s (3,4)

20. Furniture-maker’s honour lifted city (5)

21. Sectarian book one received (5)

25. No score in Northern Irish league (3)