Crossword

ACROSS 1 Vermouth knocked back, sensible drink (6) 4 Relation, terribly hot inside, gets to strip (8)

9 No longer left with something to sell abroad (6)

10 An insect disturbed people years ago (8)

11 Worry about a little container for firework explosive (9) 13 Island lady wants French article rather than English one (5)

14 More than one female professional wins me bonuses, working (13)

17 Rescues the art neglected in a valuable box (8,5)

21 What breakfast menu may have, creating stir (3,2)

23 Old college not genuine? Conflicting noises perhaps here? (9)

24 This writer was first to admit depression and softened (8) 25 Mo’s support (6)

26 Mad chaps beginning to talk, interrupting performance (8)

27 Plants with bosses laying off a thousand (6)

DOWN

1 Knight is buried in the church for that reason (6)

2 Like sheep and goats with destinies unalike ultimately (Bible story) (9)

3 In agitated state over silly group of students outside (7) 5 Like some silly poetry – no lines scan, unfortunately (11) 6 Six feet under – or heading that way? (4,3)

7 Number performing – such may be in the groove (5) 8 Trying to convey excited ‘yes’ with a sign (8)

12 Hippie cells will have this important feature (11) 15 Came across city, keeping on, as one having regular beat (9) 16 Played with IT, like groups at schools? (8)

18 Shivery nudes beginning to edge away – now possibly?! (7) 19 Top lady – see me turn up with crowd following (7) 20 Group of stars with yen to hide in the underworld (6) 22 Grand Old Man embracing the Parisian dolt (5)