CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1. It is usual to follow an airborne soldier, but it can’t be explained (10)

6. A strikebreaker covers his hurt (4)

10. He and nightdress might get together with dexterity (5-10)

11. So green is changed in the act of departure (9)

12. First-class ruse may be to use bad language (5)

13. Is soundly tied up in an investment fund (5)

15. Love apple also taking boy in (6)

19. Stout fellows, of course! (6)

20. Forgot one’s words, like a prune (5)

23. Place with a special attraction a hundred came round to (5)

24. Bemoan his upsetting of the artists (9)

26. An accidental series of lectures? (9,6)

27. Lean over the things one has written to get (4)

28. Lacking respect for His Worship perhaps (10)

DOWN

1. It’s tense, but it couldn’t be better (7)

2. Strict way to make Igor ours (8)

3. The seat to make a nest of (5)

4. I care about 27 in a way that’s true to life (9)

5. Warwickshire trees Elizabeth used for cosmetic reasons (5)

7. Bucks one up with huzzas (6)

8. Hounds a fool surrounded by his wagers (7)

9. Sort of guess one has been taught to make? (8)

14. How something shelled might partner one (8)

16. Fail to take the opportunity, it’s said: bad luck! (9)

17. Boy turns up, eager to be argumentative (8)

18. Funny claim company makes (7)

21. First Sahara in what it is for afters (7)

22. Musician practises them at the weigh-in (6)

24. Pipe for religious instruction in a pub (5)

25. Elks, some of which have eaten nothing (5)