CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 Live with old runners who can be a pain in the neck (4)

3 Was livid about deals that turned out to lack prudence (3-7)

10 Put forward a candidate to seek election, as intended (9)

11 Investigate thoroughly in the hope of making a good catch (5)

12 It’s all right for a police inspector, initially, to capture a forest animal (5)

13 String along the French, curling locks of hair (8)

15 It’s hard for a former pupil, in short, to pin down a strong fastener (7)

17 Sign on the bottom line to provide one with sanction (7)

19 Hides, with little hesitation, then goes off at speed (7)

21 We add on a runner, designed to be granted (7)

22 Was sorry for a writer, at one time, taken to a hospital department (8)

24 Did a plank turn over to find a type of light wood? (5)

27 A golden particle was suitable for a group of stars (5)

28 An informal party is there, first, for a leftwinger (9)

29 Still, a caller was exactly the same (4,6) 30 Mechanism needed for some to engage a rookie (4)

DOWN

1 Group who expected to be sober all the time (4,2,4)

2 Strange little boy got to a dance (5) 4 Following word for word, as a matter of fact, but it was a misprint (7)

5 A new day at stake, conducting a slow movement (7)

6 Was it essential for a little girl to join some volunteers, on line? (5)

7 Heard about test being applied, and was very worried about it (9)

8 Was shown the way back on line, going into a small valley (4)

9 Warn a follower about planning a change of direction (8)

14 Point to some degrees, in principle, it’s said (10)

16 Take a new Liberal into position on the dance floor (9)

18 Was late to be in attendance when exhausted (4,4)

20 Walks all over a close relative (7)

21 A single term as leader offered substance (7)

23 Head off a successful contestant near the bull (5)

25 French runner left top order with indignation (5)

26 Have a firm grip put in place to carry cargo, in the main (4)