CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

Across

1. More get fed in struggle for independence (7) 5. Comforts also dispensed at church (6) 9. Cheesy snacks underdone portion (7) 10. A first-class average return, but it saps vigour (7) 11. Tree has gone rotten (3) 12. Mad thick-skinned daughter missing in sordid drama (7,4) 13. Part of brooch retains yellowish colour (5) 14. Penniless German counts in to get transplant (4,5) 16. Darling is getting into wild begging letters (9) 17. A newly-wed has no right to stand (5) 19. Good eater uses a tart taken from new Manchester restaurant (11) 22. Union head (3) 23. Hybrid monster? Im within reach possibly (7) 24. Oliver Stone films also included in scheme (7) 26. A mortal sin? Yes (6) 27. KingÕs in plight; its thorny (7)

Down

1. Confusing mix-up with Russia in distant past (7) 2. Its devastating, heart-breaking; straighten up! (5-10) 3. Gently press fish (3) 4. New York opera adopts Old Testament anthem (5) 5. New Smiths absorb rock group to make top twenty (5,4) 6. Get to know Shakespearian king, third in line (5) 7. Search one state and secure safe access (11,4) 8. British steak cooked in container with handles (6) 12. Student in Kent in distress got down to pray (5) 14. On which golfers record aces perhaps, not euros (9) 15. Nana has one tiny amount (5) 16. Places Switzerland in violent uprising (6) 18. Section of agreement entered into? All of it (7) 20. Crinkly cloth salesman installed in church (5) 21. Second young dog gets clean away (3,2) 25. Boxer in California (3)