CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

▶ Across

1. Great gulf Charles created on 1st March (5)

4. Scurries about at finding them behind Victorian ladies (7)

8. In time, tally will reveal a ship’s armament (5)

9. Sweet Bactrian taking in an Academician (7)

10. Little ship of war has teams pulling against each other (3)

11. 40’s poodle, but modified (6-3)

12. It is close to being ungenerous (4)

13. It may be like taking in the last two face cards (4)

18. 16 Down at a form will hold it just out of reach (9)

20. On the sheltered side the French face east (3)

21. Send the bill for coin I’ve flipped (7)

22. Does as told with former schoolman – yes, awkwardly (5)

23. It may be put on to grant me some change (7)

24. Put foot down and show the tyre pattern (5)

▶ Down

1. Arrive at zero as plans collapse (4,2,7)

2. Gets a gut in a twist in the island (7)

3. Mother, a woman of breeding, has some trouble with it (6)

4. Hurry to look more cheerful (4,2)

5. Good man will move from side to side in a gentle walk (6)

6. A militant start is as much as you can manage (5)

7. Being so collected is nobody else's man (4-9)

14. Pass the French and almost get to school (7)

15. Jolly half-year spent in a pit (6)

16. Not being voiced, is given over fast (6)

17. Account of, the news perhaps (6)

19. At no time will it be repeated on hire purchase (5)