THE WEEK CROSSWORD 1071

An Ettinger Brogue Collection key case and two Connell Guides will be given to the sender of the first correct solution to the crossword and the clue of the week opened on Monday 11 September. Send it to: The Week Crossword 1071, 2nd floor, 32 Queensway,

ACROSS

1 Embrace Oscar and Victor? (4) 3 Incline to retain benefit for a youngster (10)

9 Growth you do not want to be up! (3,4)

11 Journey round capital of Lebanon and one African city (7)

12 Forecast gas price not to change (13)

14 Fashionable hairstyle for break (8)

16 Training for troops that may be boring (5)

18 Military recruit spotted in news programme (5)

19 State one way of describing black and white before a party (8)

21 Contemporary in theme put out corrected (2,2,3,6) 24 Hardy has skill in bridge (7) 25 Free article in Paris facing a little difficulty (7)

26 Try here in binder to find property owner (10)

27 Disheartened soldier is back (4)

DOWN

1 Sound greeting in email for leading cleric? (4,6) 2 Old boy face up in the soup! (5) 4 Groom on time for equestrian routine (8)

5 Rent put down twice? Proceed without caution! (3,3)

6 Boots profit from such regular cleaning? (4,3,6)

7 Expert upset about Tories broadcasting minority secrets? (9)

8 Looking smart? Your setter’s about right! (4)

10 What may be needed for gathering is a pain for joggers (7,6)

13 Completely understand lady’s overlooked by singer (10)

15 Happening by chance, one’s strength is catching large fish (9)

17 Self-government in Parisian street enthralls the Left (4,4)

20 An alto accidentally or intentionally discordant? (6)

22 The Beeb beginning to be put out for free (5)

23 Name of Pakistani? In your dreams (2,2)