CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

No 16,883

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 16,883, 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 56.

ACROSS

6 Possibly derive stimuli with one evidently real appearance (14) 9 Shiny surface transforms room, large and posh (6) 10 Choirmaster is keen to include this small star (8) 11 Site for discussion displays charm too (4,4) 13 Ability to recall note on line (6) 15 Iron removes this line on wicket (6) 17 Usual procedure in the afternoon for the time being (3,3) 19 Mess up the Spanish seafood (6) 20 Pillbox perhaps at which people may be held up (8) 22 Fit shelves at regular intervals in top room (8) 24 Quick to assess uniform in terrible state (6) 26 Unpaid professional Irish musician entertains old people (3,4,7)

DOWN

1 Arrange other venture to secure firm that’s sold legally (4-3-7) 2 British port’s vigour (4) 3 Old unit in Portugal does surprisingly hold copper (6) 4 Experienced person’s antique clock (3-5) 5 Prison unrest (4) 7 Foul odour could make me ‘asthmaticy’ but not tetchy (6) 8 The ability to distinguish prejudice (14) 12 Youth’s place for driving north and south (5) 14 Assembled troops retreat underground (5) 16 Now and then supply one to look after lock problem (5,3) 18 For one, contest involves good food container (3,3) 21 Tight times not far off (6) 23 Large medal and ring carrier (4) 25 Narrow object shortened (4)