SOLUTION TO PRIZE CROSSWORD No 15,770:

ACROSS: 6 In loco parentis. 9 Lib Dem. 10 Essayist. 11 Sciatica. 13 Napery. 15 Indict. 17 Fresco. 19 Laurel. 20 Annoying. 22 Singular. 24 Thread. 26 Unconventional. DOWN: 1 Disinclination. 2 Sled. 3 Scampi. 4 Prisoner. 5 Envy. 7 Prefab. 8 Insurmountable. 12 Adder. 14 Pasty. 16 Calf love. 18 Matron. 21 Nitwit. 23 Glow. 25 Rank.