CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

Across

1 It's quite impressive to replace Kelvin with Victor, initially. I'm working hard to do it (8)

5 Firm had a shot at taking on the French (6)

9 They can be difficult things to solve, in chess, say (8)

10 Having the ability to disagree made a difference (6)

12 Turn up to learn about things that are incredible (6)

13 When sensing gas in the car, go nowhere (5)

16 Skilful characters can use a chopper without one (6)

17 Left a board to be embellished. It's lovely (8)

20 A bystander had a tale to tell on paper (8)

21 Bring a charge against a close circuit application (6)

23 In the end, even nuisances can be overcome with boredom (5)

25 Acclaimed some prominent characters who are in the spotlight (6)

28 One man led an old essayist to get the girl (6)

29 A secret agent handling others has to be in charge (8)

30 After three hands, have a good name for a junior officer (6)

31 Bosses take over a hospital department for some scholars (8)

Down

1 Foolish characters find their energy declines (4)

2 Return to one's berth. There's plenty space (4)

3 Offer to be 18 down in service (9)

4 Figure out how to make things more insensitive (6)

6 Time to compose a vocal solo to go with a jewelled head-dress (5)

7 Make things happen , showing how to carry on a fight in the ring (5,5)

8 Close to getting cross with a little boy who's put at risk (10)

11 Is delighted, by the end, to find a clearing (5)

14 Grow up, at some stage (3,4,3)

15 Couriers may have to get people's shopping in the lock-down (10)

18 Signed up reinforcements in the draft (9)

19 Frees up some tricky knots (5)

22 Understand items coming from abroad (6)

24 Cover for Italian runner left out of role as an arm of the law (5)

26 Is an Irish county in a depressed state? (4)

27 Employs American to get round the Home Counties (4)