Super puzzler

Sharpen your pencils & test your problem-solving skills

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

8. Improve, hence an alteration (7)

9. But turn over by stout (5) 10. Look into part of infidel vegan (5)

11. Looked at grinder by wood-processing plant (7) 12. I’d ran about lowest point (5)

13. Tidy, no, devoured! (6) 16. Pull back in embarrassment finding ring in church (6) 18. Points to oil spilt by big cats (5)

22. New Californian city is by the book (7)

24. Bird of prey is below par (5)

25. Man to leave with fruit (5) 26. Choose Les to get gherkins (7)

DOWN

1. Deer returns to southern grasses (5)

2. Mal turns on the movie friend of Louise (6) 3. Going in and putting in data (8)

4. Some of these eggs turn up from birds (5)

5. Pack away then pull from south (4)

6. Boot is changed by musician (6) 7. Cycle around on the strong wind (7)

14. Men, niece moved by high station (8) 15. Country’s finances requires thrift (7)

17. Create at home air outlet (6)

19. Annoy horse in Nile (6) 20. Bad-tempered woman’s stringed instrument, yes (5) 21. Fewest left on Orient (5) 23. Tool sent back for money (4)