Cryptic Crossword

ACROSS

1. Beggar licks middle of pungent vegetable (6)

5. Delegate hears a sign (6)

8. Muses, when topless, of exploits (4)

9. Tastes in arrangement are most objectionable (8)

10. Bee lies around woman in central American country (6)

11. Man gives cry of pain after stumbled (6)

12. Cat heads to south from air pollution (4)

14. Snide holding up noise (3)

15. Slash off left wide band (4)

16. United Nations free from bias? Quite the opposite! (6)

18. Goes one better than US President’s? (6)

20. Endlessly rest, work out, then hold back (8)

22. Michelangelo’s central style (4)

23. Group keeping watch around portal (6)

24. Andre’s system is partially elegant (6)

DOWN

2. I’ll be heard in church passageway (5)

3. Inclined to be itemising? (7)

4. Against sore rival sportsperson (9)

5. Pass headless mule (3)

6. Knock over small tablet (5)

7. Use sago, stirring, becoming nebulous (7)

11. Unit, need changes,

.. made small changes (4-5)

13. Man lead changes for

South African leader (7)

15. They use new position to get sleep (4-3)

17. Italian sparkling wine right in motion (5)

19. Duos call for fruit (5)

21. Rapidly, every other one is unwell (3)

Solution in next month’s issue.