CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

Across

1. Make Ron step round to the back door (7)

4. Examination by doctor that’s claimed to be wrong (7)

8. They row as or how they might (4)

9. All now fend for the ruined (10)

11. Dish in the centre, epergne (6)

12. Cats rest uneasily if one disperses (8)

14. Somehow sew 11, sugar (9)

15. Bread, and how to tap it out (5)

17. A ball in one’s old ancestral home (5)

18. Lop modern version of a boiled sweet (5,4)

19. Stuffs VAT (or see it as being different) (8)

21. An arm one waves in the yacht basin (6)

23. Rent car, buy a bookstand instead (10)

24. How Americans own up to a heraldic band (4)

25. Give one the right to name a work (7)

26. Or a pal’s about to give one a sunshade (7)

Down

1. Like some cheese, marched in the street pageant (9)

2. Ride the waves with www on-line (4,3,8)

3. Either up or down, it’s when both hands are up (4)

4. Common hero may be seen in black and white (10)

5. A preliminary sketch of conscription in America (5)

6. Choice pieces for philatelists, say: times are changing (10,5)

7. What an actor learns can be punishing to a schoolboy (5)

10. Colonise, and pay the bill (6)

13. Flat in Elba may be blown up (10)

15. Writer introducing Anne and PM (6)

16. Assessment of the Alps a pair can give one (9)

19. Just at the right moment ounce is converted (2,3)

20. Student’s leave of absence or former tea-break (5)

22. Support for a short pair going to work (4)