CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

▶ Across 2. Copy somebody such as Puccini heroine and lead contralto (5) 5. Inflammatory swelling starts below ulna before operation (4)

7. Hidden obstacle may start ladder in stocking (4)

8. With Ness, none can work out if it's rubbish (8)

9. Not being abstract, it can be used in building (8)

11. Bob down under eider (4)

12. He has his highs and lows and can tell whether it sounds like it (13)

15. Old giant of the tennis court (4) 17. First lieutenant in a boat to reach the peak (8)

19. A hole up a tree could show robin's head in it (8)

21. Crop of corn initially uncooked (4) 22. Side-walker may frustrate one (4) 23. Stopped, took top off, and relaxed the pressure (5) Down 1. At which organist is seated to give one comfort (7)

2. One may be a fool to drink from it (3) 3. Carbon in a pit one will chop up small (5)

4. Don't show company broken lance (7) 5. An extra leg, it might be (3)

6. Is in a taxi raised by computer language (5)

10. If not carrying a gun, may be guiltless (5)

11. Could go mad with this code of belief (5)

13. Delight in setting trap by river (7)

14. Wild about the pounds retrieved from the wreckage (7)

16. Get a pirate to hold animal (5) 18. Doesn't have requirements such as these (5)

20. Difficulty with which one may apply friction? (3)

21. Fish is intended as a joke (3)