ANSWERS TO DECEMBER CROSSWORD (NO 12)

Across: 1 Supple, 4 Topsides, 9 Rioter, 10 Strainer, 12 Iron, 13 Flannelled, 15 House sparrow, 18 Eclectically, 21 Flamboyant, 22 Axil, 24 Entrails, 25 Hubbub, 26 Shake-ups, 27 Serene.

Down: 1 Straight, 2 Prorogue, 3 Lied, 5 Octane rating, 6 Stagecoach, 7 Dingle, 8 Strode, 11 Clippety-clop, 14 Red cabbage, 16 Flexible, 17 Syllable, 19 Afters, 20 Mantra, 23 Lure.