CRYPTIC CROSSWORD £500

No 17,097

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 the completed crossword to Daily Mail Prize Crossword 17,097, 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

1 Proper idiots in a mess lacking in fibre? (4-8)

8 Talk about hole in company initially in a disordered state (7)

9 Hurtful piece taken from a newspaper? (7)

11 In public, dapper journalist is beaten for intelligence? (10)

12 In short, peculiar river feature (4)

14 Mike’s predecessor recalled deprivation in Cypriot city (8)

16 Strongly criticise pair of Europeans for a type of beard (6)

17 Frenchman in charge has projector for voice (3)

19 Matter in a fine country entertainment (6)

21 Notice I found in last part of year typifying an absolute ruler? (8)

24 Fellow with dull routine backed horse racing? (4)

25 Mentor at sea put in a ship with time? It’s a mixed bag (10)

27 Clearly understand kingdom largely is close to decline (7)

28 A dry expert touring hotel is diplomatic official (7)

29 Child’s plaything for shore? (7,5)

DOWN

1 Top man mobilised to stifle first of hardliners? That’s illusory (7)

2 Man first in ordinary film is hopeful about the future (10) 3 Place to find those with complaints? (8)

4 One with awful chest getting

painful sensations (6)

5 Greek character in outlay at intervals (4)

6 Inspector turning up to block contest? That’s clear (7)

7 One in charge of pupils bringing group of swimmers above wild stream (12)

10 Sites with greenery decreasing it when in trouble (6,6)

13 Trip to come arranged for one in sporting encounter? (10)

15 Top outdoor pool, nothing less (3)

18 Note chap composed for commemorative monument (8)

20 Cheap publication in Portuguese city reveals mix-up (7)

22 Three in Rome left in a church showing cloying sentimentality (7)

23 A person revered by English naval force at rear of vessel (6)

26 Semiaquatic carnivore hiding in farm in Kent (4)