CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1. For Mede it could have spelt liberty (7) 5. Curious arrangement of garnets (7) 9. Officially he records as I get confused with the 3Rs (9) 10. It blossoms yellow but goes off right in the middle (5) 11. To such time as it might be unlit (5) 12. Former spouse, one to tear about and lift the burden of blame (9) 13. A liking for fat, if once converted to it (9) 16. The family in the Street are broke (5) 17. Gets close to listener between Poles (5) 18. The will to be Old in earlier Bible part (9) 20. Cranky hundred-cent bit held by Eric (9) 23. Some people to be seen after endless trip (5) 25. It may be used in Wales? Strike a light! (5) 26. I’m 24? I’m tense! (9) 27. Keeps out of sight as does one sleeping on the floor? (4,3) 28. Having been glued in by mistake, partake of alcohol (7)

DOWN

1. Chemical recipe for alum perhaps (7) 2. Men in a boat figured by skaters? (5) 3. Supplants space with lids thus (9) 4. A dashed dotty system of communication (5) 5. Besets the circle Russ is upset about (9) 6. A scamp to go the wrong way in a street in France (5) 7. The story to tell when about four (9) 8. ‘Woman’ to take her ease – at what a height! (7) 14. His appearance in European country will qualify him to vote (9) 15. Winter I’ve sorted out for appearance on telly? (9) 16. Deter cats from wandering here and there (9) 17. Requisite for Eden maybe, almost complete (7) 19. Some support for the board? (7) 21. It’s about birth south of Swaziland (5) 22. Island off Naples puts the lid on Rhode Island (5) 24. I hand out the cards: couldn’t be better (5)