DOUBLE CROSSWORD

CRYPTIC CLUES: Across

3. A revolutionary series of steps (9) 8. It's impossible to connect with these services (4) 9. Lady killer (9) 10. Replace points in a car engine (6) 11. It enables one to turn one's hand to many things (5) 14. Frequently cuts off half the score (5) 15. Gathering food (4) 16. They may be used to make a stool (5) 18. God that comes in somewhat horrific guise (4) 20. Locks are the key to its existence (5) 21. Made a record and was famous (5) 24. Spring past (6) 25. Abuse an awkward seed box (9) 26. Ground needed for play (4) 27. Ways to show Turkish emblems (9)

Down

1. Possibly pots palms for brightening up the street (4-5) 2. Feeling welcome to editors? (9) 4. A command to avoid (4) 5. He sums up a snake (5) 6. Stop and take into custody (6) 7. This oven has a ring outside for roasting (4) 9. High horse? (5) 11. Tried to get a hand (5) 12. Record holder (9) 13. Stars as roof raisers? (9) 17. Range of a policeman in the South-East (5) 19. Was on horseback so returned for the riding displays (6) 22. Eastern lake found in the West

- that's strange! (5) 23. He's not blind to the future (4) 24. Reader's plea for original

expression (4)

QUICK CLUES: Across

3. Seasoning (9) 8. Body of a church (4) 9. Famous person (9) 10. Infertile (6) 11. Embrace (5) 14. Jumps (5) 15. Rise very high (4) 16. Mistake (5) 18. Row (4) 20. Curses (5) 21. Stupidly (5) 24. Stay (6) 25. Clothier (9) 26. Genuine (4) 27. Welfare (4-5)

Down

1. Want of power (9) 2. Made too much of (9) 4. Kiln (4) 5. Reside (5) 6. Bog (6) 7. Small lumps of coal (4) 9. Stop (5) 11. Bear (5) 12. Depicted (9) 13. Before long (9) 17. Freebooter (5) 19. Regretful (6) 22. Supple (5) 23. Remedy (4) 24. Check (4)