Prize crossword

For this puzzle we’ve provided two sets of clues, each giving the same answers. One set of clues is cryptic, one is quick. It’s a good way to hone your skills because it gives you two ways to crack the crossword! Once complete, the letters in the shaded squares, when read from top to bottom, left to right, will spell out a word – this is your prize answer. Write it on the entry coupon on page 134 and post it, email it or enter online. Two winners will be chosen randomly from all correct entries and whichever set of clues you follow, you have an equal chance of revealing the prize answer and winning!

Cryptic clues ACROSS

1 Brief episode during mission for lieutenant (6)

4 Person who knows their flyers is a fool, dear (8)

9 Check vehicle is coming back

according to schedule (6)

10 Region of New York City to tolerate tailless cat (8) 12 Protest against the train system (4) 13 Change half in a sequence (5) 14 Fellow about to get present! (4) 17 Bing perhaps is seen reaching all over the place (6, 6)

20 I messed up telling the former Vice President, having omitted the first spy’s findings (12)

23 How long a convict is held outside of the room (4)

24 Tribute to a saint (5)

25 Animal doctor takes duck to bar (4) 28 Influence learner to rant and rave after the day before (8)

29 Tees placed to the right of first divot

at golf club (6)

30 Royalist suffers lonely punishment (8)

31 But ultimately you and I exist without one number (6)

DOWN

1 Disturb detective’s hair (8)

2 Offer harsh criticism about club I organised for local owner (8)

3 Correct time to have regrets (4)

5 Labourers from Surrey town

embracing royal style (7, 5)

6 Some goat-horned god (4)

7 Protective headgear — predominantly to aid London’s police service (6)

8 Mo Farah’s manager? (6)

11 Last of the garden ornaments put up inside — to gladden a Cheshire salesman, say? (12)

15 Reportedly viewed part of a play (5)

16 Horses go under small obstacles (5)

18 Gap left after air vent destroyed (8)

19 Action turned to in times of difficulty as even cruel obscenity to allow love in (8)

21 One goes on the record detailing

fashion in America (6)

22 Tour Türkiye’s capital with a

composer (6)

26 Starts to grow roses in the dirt (4)

27 Native American corvid (4)

Quick clues ACROSS

1 Second-in-command (6)

4 One who spends time looking for rare birds? (8)

9 Bring under control (6)

10 Eldest child of David and Victoria Beckham (8)

12 Curtain pole (4)

13 Neck jewellery formed of links (5)

14 In this place (4)

17 Internet tool (6, 6)

20 Cleverness (12)

23 Section of a school year (4)

24 Grilled slice of bread (5)

25 Blocking vote (4)

28 Strategic advantage in a situation (8)

29 Minnie - - -, British actress who starred in Good Will Hunting (6) 30 Unaccompanied (8)

31 Dozen (6)

DOWN

1 Anguish (8)

2 Inn’s landlord (8) 3 & 26D Classic Western with John Wayne (4, 4) 5 Blue-collar (7-5) 6 Superhero played by Chris Hemsworth in the Avengers films (4)

7 Soldier’s hard hat (6)

8 Do a - - -, abscond (6)

11 Dairy dealer? (12)

15 Landscape (5)

16 Catches and rips (5)

18 Theatre break (8)

19 Legal right to demand payment (8)

21 Drawing device for a tablet (6) 22 Go on a journey (6)

26 See 3D

27 Boast, brag (4)