CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

Across

1 Had to leave with soldiers, at times, in some divisions (11)

9 In a good stretch of open water, one must get a firm hold 5)

10 Broadcast on sport organisation from transport hubs (8)

12 Although fully equipped, left out in order to go for broke (7)

13 Was distinguished by rising above other people (7)

14 Students taking on trainees makes them invalid (5)

15 Begged to finish up with a surprise, at the end (9)

18 Record one recent arrangement in the middle of an earthquake (9)

20 Arrange a party for the Navy on deck (5)

21 Deals one in to cope with a series of rants (7)

24 European seabird had a long time to go. In fact, for ever (7)

25 A dramatic character might flourish on first outing (8)

26 Stadium was located in Leicester Square, naturally (5) 27 Tries ending up with a list of what a chef needs (11)

Down

2 Some old reporters could work nonstop (7)

3 It's a shame if one has to live at a lower level (9)

4 Was quite concise in some later sentences (5)

5 At the end, had grounds to be touching ... (7)

6 ... and a little bird, left at the end, was champion (5)

7 Many a trainee has capacity to deal with unhappy characters (11)

8 I'm glad I run about with an old clown (8)

11 Boss at a hospital department got an advance that may take a long time to pay off (7,4)

16 At that point, warn the crowd about a wayward shot, consequently (9)

17 Censures trustees, in short, carrying little weight (8)

19 Final employer was the recipient of a product being sold (3-4)

20 Beat any arrangement, but is leaving one without a claim (7) 22 Is about to manage repeat broadcast (5)

23 Odds on a north-east runner coming back with amphetamine (5)