CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 Some pupils may have to scramble to prepare for exams (4)

3 Was quite cool, even when under the thumb (10)

10 Proposed to stand in order to take a seat (9) 11 Cuts back on the employment of some poor drudges (5)

12 Some parts of a city in north-east England are below par (5)

13 Arrange for a new mentor to get decoration (8)

15 Track down, with little hesitation, a row of houses (7)

17 May have to lie at rest, forced to be unproductive (7)

19 Some characters feature in a good book (7) 21 He is getting on a bit, but was able to cope (7)

22 Have some scope to get a small particle on target (8)

24 At last, one artist accepted a head-dress (5) 27 For a second time, a runner returned on a horse (5)

28 Mention PR could become an important issue (9)

29 A little boy may be teaming up, but is losing hope (10)

30 Find a leading lady in the best area of Hollywood (4)

DOWN

1 Ask for advice from a top team’s specialist (10)

2 Warmed up without a leader, but is ready for action (5)

4 It was wrong to turn up as a result (7) 5 Reports from intelligence might get into the news (7)

6 Go back with a poor actor to decipher an old alphabet (5)

7 Giving one free rein in the process of granting authorisation (9)

8 It’s hard to follow some old men in a rush (4) 9 Grant a pay rise to a batsman at the wicket (8)

14 He’s a top boss, in principle, we’re told (10) 16 Is about to recall MPS, when one bears them in mind (9)

18 Ties up nine characters to match a great old scientist (8)

20 He’s on the slide, having the wrong footwear (7)

21 Rainy season to arrive one day, in the near future ... (7)

23 ... and in Hindu mythology, we find rain god (5)

25 A representative took a long time to get new model (5)

26 Turns to boss of 11 across, in short, to be employed (4)