CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

Across

1. A hundred classic birds providing homes for troglodytes (5)

4. Final one written in postcard that may be moulded (7)

8. It is between the prefix in terms of absent manuscript (5)

9. Minor explosion heavenly body makes as chart-topper (3-4)

10. Some notes for the legal profession (3) 11. Don't shout so enthusiastically if it lacks warmth (9)

12. There isn't any nitrogen on the unit (4) 13. Be shipshape and get the boat ready to sail (4)

18. One will worship such a deep curtsey (9) 20. Girl loses her head, and he's addlepated (3)

21. Instigate American backing on the street, one will propose (7) 22. Cockney sock-supplier may be used by basket-maker (5)

23. Picture a railway in a nice setting (7)

24. Word of comfort for the engineers (5)

Down

1. Not being ramblers, they tend to go up out of bed (8,5)

2. Vehicle holds tree chopped up by old serviceman (7)

3. Con needs to be so rigorous to narrow things down (6)

4. Barker Junior, favourite dancing to tune master plays (6)

5. Am a family man in France, according to current measure (6)

6. One's right, as spelt out on spine of book (5)

7. Trim as Chester may be, it gets lit up seasonally (9,4)

14. Come to see how one may convert goods to cash (7)

15. Not much wind, so it's practically a walkover (6)

16. Intricate rate of progress at sea to try right away (6)

17. Small department holding gold to send permanently abroad (6)

19. Uncertain if Virginia will take half the guests (5)