CRYPTIC CROSSWORD
ACROSS
1 Caterer remains with French writer entertaining artist (12)
8 Tennis supporter, obsessive type, tours old court on way back (3,4)
9 What lots do in lift on ground floor for exercise? (5-2)
11 Disconcert character returning old vehicle (10)
12 Locks are almost all risky (4)
14 Accommodate patriarch’s dishonest scheme (3-2,3)
16 Paid U.S. agent also to go back inside (6)
17 Latest bulletin’s shortened (3)
19 Go through finish on river (6)
21 Cursed male band breaking up (8)
24 Every teacher has it (4)
25 Talk over nasty problem: missing large waste container (10)
27 Chemical, one swallowed by monarch’s stand-in (7)
28 More bananas having more spots (7)
29 Blanket factory’s garden feature? (7,5)
DOWN
1 Call sign of three lots of old volunteers sent up after run (3-1-3)
2 Killjoy’s stolen goods left (10)
3 Test for actor performing after Italian in German car (8)
4 Woodcutter’s rent was going up (6)
5 Some untie rope and row (4)
6 Good person occupying posh role as social climber (7)
7 European runner with Peter misled businessperson (12)
10 Theatre’s given up commercial project once maybe (12)
13 Houseplant I set in a pot withered (10)
15 25 was typically put under this floor (3)
18 Got ready to do battle with Middle East party (6,2)
20 State of French supported by Irish county (7)
22 Protestant’s apartment is in the suburbs of Belfast (7)
23 A little light still at end of autumn (6)
26 Possibly hairpin’s new in 15 (4)
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 16,867, 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+, excl NI. Terms apply, see Page 52.