crossword

A prize of £15 in book tokens will be awarded for the first correct solution opened. Solutions must reach Crossword No 4484, Country Life, Pinehurst II, Pinehurst Road, Farnborough Business Park, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 7BF, by Tuesday, June 27. UK entrants only.

ACROSS 1 Lookalike—one adorning sort of bus? (6-6) 8 One wearing headgear initially in Caribbean state (5) 9 Fearfulness of fellow protégé given lolly, say (9) 11 Gawp, seeing series of games? Cheek (10) 12 Boyfriend in part of east London, say (4) 14 It’s not hard to be apprehensive! (6) 15 A cry for help installing most suitable insulation? (8) 17 Indecisive worker following directions in strike (8) 19 Freezing wading bird without tail (6) 22 A mother? he didn’t have one (4) 23 New place associated with comic’s sidekick (10) 25 Skill of former partner is Peter’s undoing (9) 26 The Spanish fellow’s girl? (5) 27 high peak where woman on horse has breather? (5, 7)

DOWN 1 Propel ball at first down northern river (7) 2 Unusually nervy, I suit this place of learning (10) 3 Trimming fish, including a carp at first (6) 4 Dejected Ulster county players? (8) 5 Scam involving last of farmer’s grain (4) 6 Distinguished english male in hospital department (7) 7 The way to assemble complete food? (12) 10 Rider disturbing queen in trees (12) 13 half the globe has edge over her pies, sadly (10) 16 Towards end of play, be finally idle? (8) 18 Go away, carrying a member’s hairwash (7) 20 One of several taking lease after journey (7) 21 Stick together in this place, supporting firm (6) 24 Smile broadly, leaving drudgery unfinished (4)