LATERAL THINKING: CRYPTIC

Use the cryptic clues to solve this crossword with a twist.

ACROSS

1. Cut pooch with scissors - just a bit (7)

5. Al left Australia for the land of Von Trapp (7)

8. Wow! Letter number seven! (3)

9. Queen hides behind fat in pantry (6)

10. Scheme for vacant site (4)

12. Mail cubicle could pose toffees, Spock’s claimed (4,6,3)

13. Creature known to be an underwater celebrity? (8)

14. Little Kenneth, do some Japanese fencing (5)

16. Tropical fruit makes Guy depart (5)

18. Faint as a change is made to a Disney classic (8)

22. In addition, commonplace becomes exceptional (13)

24. Dash into Ireland (4)

25. Give a very loud order without hesitation (6)

26. Former dictator Amin hiding

inside (3)

27. Pet eels escape in church tower (7)

28. Little Rod will grow up to be a frog (7)

DOWN

1. Write name on pole used as roadside marker (8)

2. Concepts incorporated by nationwide association (5)

3. Will gift shop be affected by skirmishes in the school dorm? (6,6)

4. Import duties if rafts are renovated (7)

5. In Copenhagen, cyclists found a business providing a service (6)

6. Tangled lead Rex unwound (7)

7. Coasters company quits making blooms (6)

11. Forgetful like the professor? (6-6)

15. Kelly and Ida together are awfully polite and dignified (8)

17. Overage duck becomes a standard

(7)

19. Publicise drink where thousands of flyers get distributed (7)

20. Guardians like Charlie’s? (6)

21. Rabbit on pancake? (6)

23. Spanish friend made French friend depart (5)