CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 After a final course, a small number objects to terms of endearment (5,8)

10 Take a good look at the first player. It’s a shocker (3-6)

11 Where the first people in church under financial pressure? (5)

12 Is undergoing an examination, when in session (7)

13 A charmer can get everyone to turn right, with little hesitation (7)

14 To get round a chain of mountains can bear fruit (6)

16 Did Ted panic about being regarded as a nit-picker? (8)

18 Plan to attract investment in under a blockade (8)

20 The main character on the day of victory had to stay hungry (6)

23 About to get to the main town without a piano concert (7)

24 Special forces had to look back with a sunshade (7)

26 It took a long time, at the end, to get rid of everything (5)

27 Old underground worker took in some inspectors (9)

28 Leading developer realised, etc, new arrangement would have devolved power (13)

DOWN

2 Take control to give the wife a break (5)

3 Is keeping an eye on a European agent, in good order (7)

4 A small number find fault with one at the end, in a time of immaturity (6) 5 Browbeat one to get a new heater, over time (8)

6 A little rascal led everyone to find an antelope (7)

7 Did a producer find green growth at a high point? (9)

8 A carrier, say, had an obligation to bear the load (5,2,6)

9 Get rid of one role, at some stage, lacking distinctive qualities (13)

15 Connect with team-mate, although not a full member (9)

17 He will have an inclination, so was quite determined (4-4)

19 Head off next regiment as too severe (7) 21 After a limited period in Italy, say, comes to the end of the lines (7)

22 Get up with a little girl to a Swedish university, in the past (6)

25 Had a tantrum at some point in play (5)