CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 Nearly everyone is following state’s contingent (11) 9 Like black magic in South America, it can spread (7) 10 Run out of hot current (7) 11 Formby played this British tune finally (3) 12 Toady, one making waves? (7) 13 What George did, left without son (7) 14 Group in antipodes dedicated lines (3) 15 Chubby type in school, say, returns (5) 17 Yarn in school is learnt (5) 18 Like property with one daughter running round (5) 20 Icy shower? Shelter in street (5) 22 Low satellite’s last to disappear (3) 24 Parisian cleric’s clothing no longer in fashion? This is (7) 25 License changes in library notice (7) 26 The last to leave ship restricted judge (3) 27 Flower barrel, one hidden by vegetable plant (7) 28 Current jumping event entertains one guest (7) 29 Disease could make you feel very low (6,5)

DOWN

1 Prepare to study catering business in homes (7,8) 2 No Poles on border able to afford purchase (7) 3 Suffer terrible ruin touring casinos primarily (5) 4 Bury payment Republican’s stuffed in hamper (9) 5 Hack put in a line to do with union (7) 6 Is it seen by drunk Scotsmen and loners downing last of Scotch? (4,4,7) 7 Film involving horrific chops with watery end (6) 8 This form of transport’s useless if it’s 2 (6) 16 Bandit’s road speed varies (9) 18 Fill old container, replacing it in city (6) 19 Call to collect vessel during the day (7) 21 Oral examination allowed over in ME city (3,4) 23 Work with French chap who’s tossed first batter (6) 25 Inflexible second row (5)

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.

No 16,485 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 16,485, 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 date-stamped 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 72.