Two-speed coffeebreak

Two sets of clues – but the answers are the same.

Cryptic clues

ACROSS

1 Series of letters on protective gear (5,4)

8 Clean off a spear (5)

10 As an alternative, left of the nose (5)

12 Produce island broadcast (3) 13 Talented with a drink (3) 14 Regarded as part of the play, say (4)

15 A stage constructed of stones (6)

16 Thanks for every candle (5) 18 Chap is terrible bore about river temperature (6)

20 New name for hair (4)

22 Rendition’s conclusion (3)

23 She’s on the line (3)

24 Talk at zero speed (5)

25 Nowadays have

time for proverb (5)

26 Competitor gives

prisoner offer (9)

DOWN

2 Chap joins new church for this reason (5)

3 Lollies of nice size (4)

4 Sadly mean to grasp silver and run (6)

5 At home, ready for inclusion (5) 6 First-rate space for instruction (9)

7 Deters flu treatment, unsettled (9)

9 Happy with what’s inside (7) 11 Mad lad gets poor mare frightened (7)

15 Captain has fitting (3) 17 Ranted about being passionate (6)

19 Comic party (5)

21 First character donated plant (5)

23 Hand on new deposit (4)

Quick clues

ACROSS

1 Flexible armour (5,4) 8 Jousting weapon (5)

10 Of the nose (5)

12 Lettuce (3)

13 Beer (3)

14 Spotted (4)

15 Gemstones (6)

16 Narrow (5)

18 Man’s name (6)

20 Lion’s feature (4)

22 Finish (3)

23 Clothes fastener (3)

24 Speak in public (5)

25 Maxim (5)

26 Contestant (9)

DOWN

2 From here (5)

3 Covers a cake (4)

4 Cope (6)

5 Enlarged area of a map (5)

6 Place of learning (9) 7 Confused (9) 9 Pleased (7)

11 Scared (7)

15 Suitable (3)

17 Fanatical (6) 19 Celebration (5) 21 Tequila succulent (5) 23 Chessman (4)