CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

7 Follow the progress of one along a beaten path (5)

8 Was addicted, at the end, so were forced to be set apart (9)

10 Manages to get away in two directions. Up to a point (6)

11 Ten in CID turned up at an event (8)

12 At short notice, choosing to have an endorsement (8)

13 In order to move erratically one has to change direction (4)

15 Harmless treatment used to relieve mental distress (7)

17 Offer to enter an engagement before a match (7)

20 Take a chance to assist one in wrong-doing (4)

22 Was ready, having arranged things in advance (8)

25 Described growth of pear tree with ready wit (8)

26 Warrants having a legal claim to things (6) 27 May shoot like a marine to set off a warning signal (4,5)

28 One fellow joins a small group, although unqualified (5)

DOWN

1 A head of state may take the chair at a conservation body (9)

2 Fought over a small piece of left-over food (8)

3 First son deigns to create some blueprints (7)

4 Find out one might have had to record too much (8)

5 Impose a burden on one starting to slip into confusion (6)

6 Manages to control, downpours, it’s said (5) 9 Mischievous little fairy left out of danger (4) 14 Establish the role of a leading seaman, to be sure (9)

16 Common response to a vote of thanks may be that it’s unnecessary (3,2,3)

18 New plant, eg, could turn out to be quite noisy (8)

19 Seems to come into view on Sunday (7) 21 Draws in some couples needing supports (6)

23 Make some money working in a place of learning (4)

24 Left after 9 down is in danger (5)