CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

FOR your chance to win, solve the crossword to reveal the word reading down the shaded boxes. HOW TO ENTER: Call 0901 293 6233 and leave today’s answer and your details, or TEXT 65700 with the word CRYPTIC, your answer and your name. Texts and calls cost £1 plus standard network charges. Or enter by post by sending completed crossword to Daily Mail Prize Crossword 16,207, PO Box 28, Colchester, Essex CO2 8GF. Please include your name and address. One weekly winner chosen from all correct daily entries received between 00.01 Monday and 23.59 Friday. Postal entries must be datestamped no later than the following day to qualify. Calls/texts must be received by 23.59; answers change at 00.01. UK residents aged 18+, exc NI. Terms apply,

ACROSS

1 Entertainer’s part is terrifically engaging (7) 5 Extra deciding match left out final settlement (3-3) 9 String of beads priest hides in Swiss Cottage (7) 10 Withdraws charges about to be introduced (7) 11 Cut top off grass, the bristly part (3) 12 Old food repelled expert German mayor (11) 13 Dance company not available to tour Gulf (5) 14 Lavish amount put away by old American (9) 16 Opposes claim that avoids humiliation (4-5) 17 Woman’s rejected tar treatment (5) 19 Is his fortune derived from Liberian oil? (11) 22 Cook welcomes posh couple (3) 23 Lift European tax shelter limits (7) 24 Anonymous North Korean leaders instantly hosted by UN (7) 26 Humble churchman takes me in (6) 27 Give title to benevolent reforms avoided by vet (7)

DOWN

1 Old-fashioned Arab chief raised spies (7) 2 Neglecting oral, I bamboozled FE institute (8,7) 3 Note or coin in Lima (3) 4 Gain access to English theatre queen (5) 5 One who acts for each prior (9) 6 Accuracy rises after disposal of car plant in US (5) 7 Nit-picker crudely motioned to chef on source of beef (4-7,4) 8 Very big Hibernian, almost a god (6) 12 Rupees found among singer’s money (5) 14 A number watched boxing contest (9) 15 Start to translate Gaelic using few words (5) 16 Famous sailor escaped guards (6) 18 Young guide’s cake (7) 20 Daft contribution to shenanigans backfired (5) 21 Adapt home on river (5) 25 Understanding Scottish bloke (3)

NEED A CLUE? Text TIP to 65700 to receive FOUR answers to today’s crossword, or call 0901 293 6236. Texts and calls cost £1 plus standard network charges. Today’s clues available between 00.01 today and 23.30 only.