GENERAL CROSSWORD

▶ Across

1. Group judging competition (5)

4. Society promoting the spread of Socialism (6)

7. Conger (3)

8. Flares of fire (6)

9. Calls off mission at an early stage (6)

10. Sound system using four speakers (13)

14. Middle-man (5)

15. Previous (5)

18. Diamond-paned opening in wall (7,6)

23. Spanish dance (6)

24. Something taken off price (6)

25. Turf (3)

26. Outlaw (6)

27. Sugary (5)

▶ Down

1. Rice dish (5)

2. Wandering tribesman (5)

3. Something taught (6)

4. Showy but empty (6)

5. Tan (5)

6. A caper (5)

10. Table-bird (5)

11. Skilled person (5)

12. Homer epic (5)

13. Drinking-tube (5)

16. Approach and speak to (6)

17. Rapiers (6)

19. Hawaiian greeting (5)

20. Tyre pattern (5)

21. High-born (5)

22. Piece for eight players (5)