CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

No 17,203

ACROSS

6 See a chat’s possible, perhaps, depending on the circumstances (2,3,4,3,2) 9 Gamble around Tyneside to get basket for fruit (6) 10 Secure successor for Matthew as a turning point? (8) 11 Popular American taste, for example? That’s partly true (2,1,5) 13 A new set of notes almost for major figure in news bulletin (6) 15 Lead for walking

assists puppies (6) 17 Puzzle married American enthralled by endless alcoholic drink (6) 19 What’s left by our people in noisy disturbance (6) 20 Advertising by very large firm around city for sparkling wine (8) 22 Using a public address system after wasting time? That’s irksome (8) 24 By the sound of it, actor David is one paying rent (6) 26 I settle at last after moving with European in a weaker nation? (9,5)

DOWN

1 Parking no good in this southern hemisphere country in short? (5,3,6) 2 Greatly surprise some

past unionists (4) 3 Fantastic mentor for

comedian Paul (6) 4 Hire again Green for mobilisation over period (2-6) 5 Friend marks part

of the hand (4) 7 Colleagues in political drives needing no introduction (6) 8 Trouble concerns a bread? It’s of benefit to supermarket shoppers! (7,7) 12 Search for brush (5) 14 Reportedly, film slide for transporting things to a lower level (5) 16 Old man all the same beginning to enjoy lozenge (8) 18 Southern Greek character obtained small peg (6) 21 Dim-witted old boy given introduction to this treatment (6) 23 Initiate type of

sporting event (4) 25 Uppity figure touring area is trim in appearance (4)