CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

8 Did she join other musicians for a Spanish dance? (8)

9 Find a place offering a wide approach to a grand house (6)

10 For example, return popular Sixties dress as a sign (6)

11 Brave gallant, undaunted, was invincible (8)

12 Long detailed story could be a source of excitement, in return (4)

13 Promised to sponsor degree, as contracted (10)

15 Build remote site, initially, to search for shooting stars (7)

17 Point out record, and list in detail (7)

20 Terrible performance, at some stage, could be criminal behaviour (10)

22 Turn over some shorts in a bar (4)

24 Sheltered under cover, when separated out (8)

26 Was a nameless prison officer a complete failure? (6)

27 Don tripped up with a cry of pain (6)

28 Signed up with the French to grow from a young plant (8)

DOWN

1 Arrived right away, initially, with device to put one in the picture (6)

2 Laugh at banter in word-play. Only joking (8)

3 Reigned over half of Malawi, in spite of having avoided his duties (10)

4 Would a senior officer look up to a leading light? Not at the end (7)

5 Incline to keel over, in the vernacular (4)

6 Single out first son, hand-picked to be the best (6)

7 Is very active when involved in commercial activity (8)

14 Everyone was there, by all accounts, across the board (10) 16 Appreciated being decked out when set up for life (8)

18 Small marline wound up with some raw materials (8)

19 Is very calm when left in the Mid-west; not weak (7)

21 Demand the French get to the point (6)

23 Take pride in dresses, when about to deck oneself out on Sunday (6)

25 Reports of events coming from all directions (4)