CRYPTIC CLUES:

Across

1. A hearty meal of leguminous food? (9)

8. It's currently charged in associations (3)

9. This is just a mess! (4,7) 11. Plenty upset about a fine (7) 12. It's gloomy when five hundred get back (5)

13. & 15Ac. The fairies associated with Lilliput (6,6)

15. See 13 Across

17. The sailor in bed is an early explorer... (5) 18. ...as seen in strange tales of the briny! (3,4) 20. Exhausted, in an attitude of prayer (2,4,5) 22. Structure that is just antediluvian! (3)

23. Sham headdress - don't believe it! (9)

Down

2. Sound receiver used in the army (3)

3. The point that will give a welldefined image (5)

4. A din we hear causes vexation (6) 5. Footplate (7)

6. Part of the service provided for the main meal (6,5)

7. As a rebel, he could be unresting (9)

10. Very small tomes kept by the secretary (6,5)

11. Male cop in disguise (9) 14. Causes a detonation - exacts no penalty (4,3)

16. In addition to being a bigwig! (2,4)

19. Frank Lester reveals a low joint (5)

21. I will show each good omen, initially (3)