CRYPTIC CLUES:

Across

1. Dexterous chief assistants (5-4,3)

7. He gives an alternative to

fellow (5)

8. Don't drop the fish (5) 9. Manage to take part in the sports (3)

10. Food at the back of the meadow for the bird (9)

11. An idea for making her toy (6) 12. A name for the warden? (6) 15. Round which people hold

hands (4-5) 17. Part of a delectable inflorescent garland (3)

18. Heather and I surrounded by unusual care (5)

19. It's produced by one strange tree (5)

21. Below the proceeds for certain contracts (12)

Down

1. No voucher for the singleminded! (6,6)

2. Barrel of fruit upturned (3) 3. The Marine is confused by those who fly over (6) 4. Lack of vigour of French modulation (9)

5. Rate revision is about ten more (5)

6. They produce revolutionary devices (12)

7. Study the south-east — it's thickly populated (5) 10. Splendid speed one attains in bottom gear? (5-4)

13. Get better for the reunion (5) 14. The aim is to protest (6) 16. The first of the governors in control as a rule! (5)

20. Its apple is a gall (3)