CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

No 16,543

ACROSS

6 Old message in light opera read out (14)

9 Thin layer never fails to cover surface ultimately (6) 10 Journalists restricting drink and exercises ... (5-3)

11 ... also welcome popular conservative royal (8)

13 New type of brown track (6)

15 Soldier on border composes song of praise (6)

17 What’s originally made of sections, all in colour? (6)

19 Poem about horse (Arab) that’s disappointing (2,4)

20 It’s inconvenient and could be drawn out (8)

22 A former aircraft manufacturer employs old calculators (8)

24 University stock car? (6)

26 Sweeping statement boxer’s inserted in production (14)

DOWN

1 Impeccable Irish salesperson gets fit eating fish (14)

2 Some changed gear, gaining advantage (4) 3 Spring course has to be revised (6)

4 Toner hue varies at the bottom of this document, say (8)

5 Creative subjects are on the rise in Australia (4)

7 Reveal old model (6)

8 Contents of mill split for small fee (10,4)

12 Gunpowder ingredient? Part of UK about to import tons (5)

14 Persians produce this crop around odd parts of Iran (5)

16 International rail service routes are not all busy (8)

18 Use first half of millet (ground) making this food? (6)

21 It’s staggering in river, moving in opposite directions (3-3)

23 Cook with much effort, ignoring margins (4)

25 Don’t pass one in

Cornish river (4)

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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 16,543, 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 62.