CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

Across 1 & 3ac.

%RLO XS WKH 3DFL¿F inhabitant, we hear (4,8)

9. A normal sort of triangular rig out (7)

10. Dog cries “Where in Paris is the water feature?” (5)

11. A creepy sounding bird’s nest (5)

12. Proverbially dressed up as younger one (6)

14. Ask in to get seal (6)

16. Necks I used to make me nauseous (6)

19 & 25ac. Ministers on a single march? – Or where to keep the reports on it (6,7)

21. A push-boat (5)

24. The colour of cock horses with no socks! (5)

25. See 19

26. Dance to a couple of orchestral instruments (8)

27. Has been creamed (4)

Down

1. Borderline swindle may cause a coming together (8)

2. Not in popular demand if on it (5)

4. Only a heartless madman can be seriously glum (6)

5. A creature of habit (5)

6. Where you can get down and dirty on a ship (3,4)

7. A pointless way for defeat (4)

8. Country they make slippers in, we hear (6)

13. Any crest may show heritage (8)

15. Old Bob, athletic Romeo, will go snake-like (7)

17. I am shortly to get a dribble catcher at the end of June to have a drink (6)

18. Contents are a cracking good breakfast (6)

20. Get a frosty reception? (3,2)

22. Managed the church farm (5)

23. Having more than two pair was on the cards for him (4)