Cryptic crossword

ACROSS

1 Interest may grow in this riverside tale (4,7)

9 Expanded modified tulip bulb?

Not half (5,2)

10 Firm keeps working when it’s

dark (7)

11 What’s left after burning tree

(3)

12 Revolutionary carbon-lined

tyre (7)

13 Beer with no heart judged to

have a head? (7)

14 Old lady’s silly not taking

sides (3)

15 Bought and sold planks at

end of August (5)

17 English lad runs round northern wood (5)

18 Band is concerned about this

dance music (5)

20 It’s understood diplomacy

involves capital of Iran (5)

22 For instance, good present at

Easter (3)

24 It throws light on a Republican vice (3,4)

25 Rescue lake in the wild (7)

26 Request arsenic and potassium (3)

27 Overanxious, but not very

demanding (7)

28 Kevin’s managed to defend

old summons (7)

29 Disease could make you feel

very low (6,5)

DOWN

1 Aim of any politician who helps

property buyers? (8,7)

2 Saw cake before it’s decorated? (7)

3 A penny-pinching friend creates shock (5)

4 I catch rat jumping and causing evacuation (9)

5 Runner veering a bit? Take

bottle away (7)

6 Acrobat’s merrier touring

hawser works (9,6)

7 Robe needs adjusting on

Shakespearian king (6)

8 Type of food dog chewed

where pigs live (6)

16 Cook points at a first course

(9)

18 Puff? It’s what smokers do,

working (6)

19 Where bacon may be enjoying great success (2,1,4)

21 Servant turns up at 4 in ME

city (3,4)

23 Comic eager to tackle small

musical (6)

25 Practise winter sport with

fellows in boat (5)