CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

Across

1. It concerns the public purse calf is turned into (6)

8. Agreement to let meadowland to the Southeast (5)

9. Court official constructs alibi very loudly (7)

11. Hot and luxuriant, it's in the news about royal first (8)

12. Wander off the street almost a yard backwards (5)

15. Fail to meet an unmarried lady (4) 16. Horse will baulk at Aunt Sally (3)

17. Tie the boat up where there's space to go astern (4)

19. The instant one left Fiji, it returned to fly left out (5)

21. Soundly beat the rabble coming out of the Open University (8)

24. American city police trap is there to stay (7)

26. He can handle cases for hospital worker (6)

Down

2. To paint it in this way isn't suitable (5) 3. Close pal may turn and fall in a heap (8) 4. It may take one up for a free ride (4)

5. It is inclined to have upset people like Chopin (5)

6. Stuff oneself up with fruit refuse (4) 7. Apply lute to pinniped (4)

10. Ghastly girl in a huff with leading tenor (9)

12. A portion of it sounds like a bit of arithmetic (4)

13. Sour note broadcaster has introduced (8) 14. Earnestly ask for one's first raise in salary (4)

18. Naval rating chewing the fat that's behind him (5)

20. He receives a charge that includes North Carolina (5)

21. Polish to a pale brownish yellow (4) 22. Is making a lot of noise playing ludo (4)

23. It is inclined to be a bit of a swindle (4)