CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

▶ Across

2. A heap of potatoes may stop the motorist moving (5)

5. Change a course of food generally (4) 7. A lot of trees would sound like this (4) 8. Ten might creep around in makebelieve (8)

9. Mr French was the king's eldest brother (8)

11. What do you say to limiting your drink consumption? (4)

12. Bringing of one back to consciousness in cruise station upset (13)

15. Defect to Florida West (4)

17. Soak it for the cream tea to be prepared (8)

19. That it is a fixed mathematical quantity is true (8) 21. If one hasn't got a pulse one must be … broke! (4) 22. To get accustomed to its not being new (4) 23. Stay behind, looking black (5)

▶ Down

1. Show it's true it's about all right to harass one (7)

2. It gives copper starting duty something to chew over (3)

3. Fruit that gave Eve the pip (5) 4. White-faced clown one got porter to shift (7)

5. Lower front part starts taking over eclipse (3)

6. A hoard that gives Conservative leader some pain (5)

10. It's a brave wife who will complain loudly and unendingly (5)

11. Dilute it with one's tears (5)

13. Fitted closely together by mutual agreement (7)

14. Our great indignation at our gate getting broken (7)

16. The pride of those playing rugby for Britain (5)

18. Provide for such a cousin to be an intimate friend (5)

20. Is said, after one is lost, to be unhappy (3) 21. Reddish brown laurel (3) ▶ Yesterday's solution Across 1. Wedding march 8. Overcome 9. Cola 11. Motto 12. Erratum 13. Nick 15. Arms 19. Ennoble

20. Racer 22. Look 23. Pitiless 24. Home from home

Down 2. Event 3. Doctor 4. Number 5. Rooster 6. Headmistress 7. Commonwealth 10. Fry 14. Conform 16. Ebb 17. Merino 18. Wraith 21. Cream