CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

Across

1. Make atonement for a pet, that is, around ten (7)

4. Men dare to move around and wander aimlessly (7)

8. Old instrument could be put on cello for a new one (4) 9. Coaches can bar cash distribution (10)

11. Bit of needlework may be painful for a runner (6)

12. I’d returned to the strain of acute poverty (8) 14. Making handy movements to tug singer around (9)

15. Tar we replace with Adam’s ale (5)

17. Take everything off a sort of cartoon (5)

18. I feel grid may be ornamented with metallic lacework (9) 19. Plot together on prices perhaps (8)

21. Vehicle lad returns to as a wanton destroyer (6) 23. Making designs while running lightly around the North (10) 24. A ‘No’ from France is coming shortly (4)

25. How to tie Tories’ favour – ones out of it (7)

26. Zap tree that could be used as an acrobat’s swing (7)

Down

1. Topless men and faces one pictures in one’s mind (9) 2. Merry spot is soon organised, and these say one will pay later (10,5)

3. Genuine German used up in Bath ceremony (4)

4. Tram turning up in high wind will keep horse’s head down (10) 5. Bit Ma took out of the compass (5)

6. How many go to the ball to wait assiduously on someone? (5,10)

7. Relaxes when the musicians aren’t playing them (5)

10. Steal apples – not enough for strong cider, though (6)

13. It’s not the same red if fence organises it (10)

15. Going west, I’m confused by wag in a tepee (6) 16. Fragrancy of elder, once it’s been set out (9)

19. What a carry-on, flavouring sauce with it! (5)

20. A tuck can be put into a pelt (5)

22. A Turk’s head may be in a tangle (4)