CRYPTIC CLUES

ACROSS

1 Lace Liam draped round shrub (8)

6 Manager sobs wildly (4)

8 Albert sent back a hat for the woolly beast (6)

9 Impasse, record spread (6)

10 After late ending, silly mishap’s causing stress (8)

13 Stir and cut (4)

14 US bureau contains a claw here in Spain (9)

17 Clasps part of snakes (4)

18 Again I mark log with weight (8)

19 Smear gold and black on divan (6)

21 Quick look at the bird (6)

23 Prepare during an expedition (4)

24 Performed in the open-air as if in a play (5,3)

DOWN

2 Lob map over with self-assurance (6)

3 Greek letter hidden by secret agent (3)

4 Usurer mistook lark on ash (4,5)

5 Excellent student to be indisposed (3)

6 Start throwing away contents, for example (9)

7 Event designed to raise the spirits (6)

11 Principal teacher to begin with an initial advantage (4,5)

12 Draw attention to strange plot coming into view (9)

15 Rise up like many over conclusion (6)

16 Possibly get a gold finish on cake (6)

20 Item of clothing found in club raid (3)

22 Show agreement when lecturer about (3)