TELEGRAPH CROSSWORDS

Across

7 Described ancient British resident in heroic exploit? (8) 9 Number classically in exile (6) 10 Celebrity that looked down on humble birthplace (4) 11 Blasted to Saturn as space travellers (10) 12 Mother in big building is one serving drinks (6) 14 Silly things on the festive table (8) 15 Like Scrooge, liable to cause pain (6) 17 African finishing at end of month repeatedly (6) 20 This writer’s going round church

with holy Christmas fare (5,3) 22 Brussels sprouts? Good and never sent back by son! (6) 23 It may be strange to us, a Latin greeting (10) 24 Location with pull, attracting any number (4) 25 Trouble ends in Christmas boozers being overwhelmed by hard drink (6) 26 Fellows serving lord, chaps in Belgian location? (8)

Down

1 Plants Scotsman placed in lavatory (8) 2 Row in Roman river, avoiding its middle (4) 3 Student’s beginning school creates emotional tension (6) 4 Month men put away ornament (8) 5 A rebel converted having absorbed gospel? Extraordinary (10) 6 Exhibition centre with sailor providing sweet drink (6) 8 Take away the cad getting drunk (6) 13 A consumer, I munched turkey at Christmas? (4,6) 16 Close gap when running to achieve personal success (2,6) 18 Possibly wonder about one exuding love becoming famous (8) 19 Servant upset home interrupting dinner maybe (6) 21 Book is excellent, that’s surprising (6) 22 Look – is this a seasonal bird? (6) 24 Something that could now be decorated in street (4)