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 16,973, 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 date-stamped 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+, excl NI. Terms apply, see Page 52.

ACROSS

6 Process undertaken after engagements? (14)

9 Agricultural tool unknown character found in decrepit chest (6)

10 Dull end to game for one sharing accommodation (8) 11 Second cheat leaving Kansas makes one more uncompromising (8) 13 A pair of fellows with Charles, perhaps, in brawl (6)

15 Workplace averse to a problem in winter (6)

17 Fine diver at sea is very enthusiastic (6) 19 One resorting to local backer (6) 20 Good person right to block ill-treatment that’s difficult to understand (8) 22 Ignore ploy in a sale? (8) 24 Contemporary picture centrally covered (6)

26 A safari set off disturbed about tense situation (5,2,7)

DOWN

1 Unconventional Italian scouted as teacher, say (14)

2 Some broadcasters muted mildly offensive material (4)

3 Miserable customer’s first to board a British plane (6)

4 Distraction about

poster as a stunt (8)

5 Check part

of a plant (4)

7 People who spend

ages inside? (6)

8 Ten Danish souls when agitated show bizarre quality (14)

12 Deduce information here after removing jacket (5)

14 Female constantly has

shivery condition (5)

16 Closely study one in group of twelve, one performing tricks (8)

18 Chap with skill promoted frequently used slogan (6)

21 Doctor tires about source of frequently bitter disagreement (6) 23 Refer to location

on radio (4)

25 Cold thing found in slick

electrical feature (4)