LAST WEEK'S SOLUTION ACROSS:

8 Talkfest, 9 Aliped, 10 Badger, 11 Termites, 12 Bute, 13 Scrutineer, 15 Stashed, 17 Augusta, 20 Backstreet, 22 Biff, 24 Cadaster, 26 Edison, 27 Steele, 8 Eldorado.

ACROSS: 1 Xanadu, 2 Skegness, 3 Petrescent, 4 Staters, 5 Parr, 6 Minion, 7 Vehement, 14 Trust deeds, 16 Trabants, 18 Umbriere, 19 Decrees, 21 Kraken, 23 Fronds, 25 Trek.