CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

▶ Across 1. A farewell involving devil with the action (11)

8. The Sappers, observing exact rules, impose limits (8)

9. Jug looks fresher if top is removed (4) 10. In youthful bloom it may be cheeky (5) 13. A good deal of things that come under the hammer (4)

16. Leather may be encased in hose (4) 17. A business set-up that's not rocky (4) 18. Go obliquely south to the botanical gardens (4)

20. Get ready to post a distinguishing mark (5)

24. Perfect place put in agreed ending (4) 25. Some music concrete, perhaps, having nothing for the East (8)

26. Hardy pair go out for X-ray work (11) ▶ Down 2. In addition to a capital orchestra (4) 3. Mistake that made child who was a nuisance lose his head (5)

4. Cousin with nothing to lose but bone of middle ear maybe (5)

5. The best imaginable ladies don't finish changing (5)

6. One on the air perhaps acts in a wider field (11)

7. Supposition of prompt use in its development (11)

11. Roof edge projects if one doesn't take it without a top (5)

12. Sweetmeat one will almost divide in two, having a finish (5)

14. Savoury dish offers nothing to mix oil with (4)

15. Otherwise see about it when about fifty (4)

19. Gradually decreased, and we had to adjust to it (5)

21. Strap is thing nothing will replace one (5)

22. Fine coffee or tea after a second (5) 23. Cunning feature that may go over one's head (4)