CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

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 16,702, 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 60.

ACROSS

1 Douser’s job, handling problems ad hoc (12)

8 Godparent’s back with money (7)

9 Police search maiden aunt touring New Hampshire (7)

11 Outgoing types distribute texts about traveller (10)

12 Excellent penalty (4)

14 Squads who disrupted supporting event (8)

16 Platitude is defended by former president endlessly (6)

17 Swelling disappeared almost (3)

19 Vocal range of avocet when flying? (6)

21 Each call’s bringing in new revenue (8)

24 Repair dam, by the sound of it (4)

25 Distinctive person (10)

27 Revolutionary do-ityourself food? Tongue! (7)

28 Graduate cutting trees is disconcerting (7)

29 Train insured flyer not requiring manual? (4-8)

DOWN

1 Loud couple of men overlooked (7)

2 Reacting speedily, I’ve completed person’s novel (10)

3 Hide under ornamental decoration (8)

4 Cook meat with first half of eggs in cell (6)

5 Military vehicle, brown, close to truck (4)

6 Prepared tuna on island, then just over fifty molluscs (7)

7 Date of Easter Rising, a movable feast (9,3)

10 Anxious mothers inquire about fluid in picnic container (7,5)

13 Training ad misused money given by government (5-2-3)

15 Occasionally where to go? (3)

18 Steer Russian ruler over barrier (8)

20 Does business involve current verbal attacks? (7)

22 Any thug could be this! (7)

23 Secure a northern church with troops (6)

26 Mentioned house member’s support (4)