CRYPTIC

ACROSS

1 Pitcher in side we rated (4)

3 Pilot study, then series of steps, then this by pilot? (4,6)

9 Manage company training (4)

10 Serve salad, blended sauce being required (5,5)

11 Warn of jam with last bit not used before date (7)

13 Two articles about permit for gymnast, perhaps (7)

14 Considerate when drunk? Blasphemous behaviour is the answer (11)

18 What surveyor may use in flat after ghost is seen (6,5)

21 Instrument that may be graduate’s shortly (7)

22 Flexible sort, odd making stand (7)

23 Conspicuous signs attached to home (2,8)

24 First to call round with trendy piece (4)

25 Old Fleet Street operative kind to crossword compiler (10)

26 Toy that’s in bits on middle of floor (4)

DOWN

1 Lark’s flight enthralling a daughter (8)

2 After drugs, journalists love strong coffee (8)

4 Remove ages on top of engravings (5)

5 Conductor of opera popular in Northern Ireland (9)

6 Nothing controls flab (4,7)

7 Danger could come from such a plot (6)

8 Time to support subject set for discussion in police force (3,3)

12 Accomplices in case? Scores I suspect (11)

15 Straightening a tendon without a need initially to replace it (9)

16 Accomplished advance or defeat? (8)

17 Bird vivid in colour, duck (8)

19 Old boy is to supply musician (6)

20 Dozing when cover drawn up (6)

22 Regret clothing first two of children in frilly lace (5)