CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 Police officers dispatched to conflict (7) 5 Old widow spills litre over cape (6) 9 What keeps angler dry foils kingfisher to some extent (7) 10 Urge Tom after training to be a discerning diner (7) 11 Elaine misses odd characters in fiction (3) 12 Manoeuvre Polo around tricky pothole (4-3-4) 13 Want terribly good sound from ‘The Archers’? (5) 14 Left woman exercising with ruler to get trimmer (4,5) 16 Trail exotic bird with room to move, losing energy (9) 17 It’s necessary to handle a shih-tzu (5) 19 I came in originally after a rogue member of RA (11) 22 Drink nothing during races (3) 23 Stiff and unnatural, like tall circus performers? (7) 24 Regularly derailed party stopped talking (5,2) 26 Where nurses are working ahead (6) 27 One inspects articles lorry emptied on street (7)

DOWN

1 Doctor, following surgery, authorised a little fluid (7) 2 No Texan families disputed what GPs recommend (4-11) 3 Animal found in English lake now and then (3) 4 Dance beat with energy (5) 5 Send off letter to The Listener without delay (5,4) 6 Lough and river parasite (5) 7 Typical delay with what’s arranged for annual commemoration (12,3) 8 Poor posture almost produces lethargic state (6) 12 Stage an opening to Lammas fair (5) 14 Feeling depressed, was wary of foul (3-6) 15 Hands over large round fruit (5) 16 Cook topside of beef, then rear (6) 18 Popular nightclub first to serve stewed mutton wraps (3,4) 20 Spear carrier’s old flair returns (5) 21 Big country hotel is in front of this (5) 25 Lyricist contributed to air ambulance (3)

NEED A CLUE? Text TIP to 65700 to receive FOUR answers to today’s crossword, or call 0901 293 6236. Texts and calls cost £1 plus standard network charges. Today’s clues available between 00.01 today and 23.30 only. FOR your chance to win, solve the crossword to reveal the word reading down the shaded boxes. HOW TO ENTER: Call 0901 293 6233 and leave today’s answer and your details, or TEXT 65700 with the word CRYPTIC, your answer and your name. Texts and calls cost £1 plus standard network charges. Or enter by post by sending completed crossword to Daily Mail Prize Crossword 16241, PO Box 28, Colchester, Essex CO2 8GF. Please include your name and address. One weekly winner chosen from all correct daily entries received between 00.01 Monday and 23.59 Friday. Postal entries must be datestamped no later than the following day to qualify. Calls/texts must be received by 23.59; answers change at 00.01. UK residents aged 18+, exc NI. Terms apply, see Page 66.