CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

▶ Across

7. During sprint, over a brief period of time (2,3,5,3)

8. Chirpy chap prospers with hag anyhow (11)

12. Part of foot that marches keeping time with the others (6)

14. Annual appearance of nobleman among the wise (6)

16. Excise a circuit safety device (3-3) 18. Gradually leaves off the lights if they are feeble (6)

19. Engraved impression of faultless handwriting (11)

23. Latitude in which to go wrong (former roaring made it) (6,2,5) ▶ Down 1. Gains by one leaving upturn of a drawback (4)

2. Greek goddess of the genus that gives one a cuppa (4)

3. Finishes what there is of EP with us twice (4,2) 4. Settlement could be cool with the Big Apple (6)

5. Mogs and mutts turn up on the threshold (4)

6. Rub it up right and it may stick to one's clothing (4)

9. Rice dish has its root in cooking (7) 10. Token payment shows one is serious (7)

11. Extras were available in Jersey bar turned over (4)

12. Bird without its head is about 2½ cm (4)

13. Greek letter follows English bird (3)

15. A particular period in an operation (3)

17. A maid from Tyne we sorted out (6)

18. Stand as an example of pity perhaps for your leaders (6) 19. Sour-tempered person gets right inside taxi (4)

20. The attendant was like a sheet (4) 21. Some land mother-of-pearl without a top (4)

22. Black bone composition (4)

▶ Yesterday's solution Across 1. Grandmaster 7. Musical 9. Milk 11. Crone 12. Divest 14. Destitution 18. Thrive 20. Alert 22. Dock 23. Witless 24. Predominate Down 2. Restore 3. Mole 4. Elite 5. Smock 6. Skate 8. Creative 10. Distrait 13. Sty 15. Overeat 16. Study 17. Stash 19. Recur 21. Swim