DOUBLE CROSSWORD

CRYPTIC CLUES:

Across

1. Traffic sign erected by the socialists? (4,4)

5. Alternative letters for flex (4)

9. Clever – gets blockhead to take drink round (4)

10. Matches won't work? (8)

11. Command a class (5)

12. Music for duration of scrap? (7)

13. Will serve as a gift at this time (3,3,7)

18. Royal Automobile Club cared about record of runners (8)

19. Eager to help about five (4) 20. Carefully look at returned axe belonging to me (7)

21. Questionable – like an angler's tale? (5)

22. Quantity thus given to the first person (4)

23. The usual flag (8)

Down

2. Prohibition – leave when you've got me back to the bar! (7)

3. Excuse before biblical quotation (7)

4. Ideal prospects, despite being tense after 13? (6,7)

6. Former 8 period (3-4)

7. Cut up little Diana's religious group (7)

8. Not a better half? (6)

13. Counterfeiting blacksmiths? (7)

14. To get back could be a miracle (7)

15. The C-I-C is extremely busy (6)

16. Ocean flier arrived as bride changed (7)

17. Therein both are excluded (7)