SIR LANCELOT'S CRYPTIC CLUES

ACROSS

1 Increases number of snakes without hesitation (4) 3 Bright shade sets me reeling (4-5) 9 A new claret’s drunk, coming from one’s parents (9) 10 Primate returns in the Netherlands, or another country (5) 11 Act badly in unfinished, wooden style – that’s something quite dry (7) 12 Energetically prunes one that’s standing (7) 13 A clear-cut failure after bad puns prove less than impressive (13) 16 Ban a murderess’s rehabilitation being entirely without shame (13) 20 Way in to accepting work in disorder (7) 21 Native language a Pharaoh’s endlessly rewritten (7) 23 Concerning Diana nothing is lost for this composer (5) 24 Generally found surrounded by ocean (2,3,4) 25 Dry debate about cuddly toy (5,4) 26 The writer introduces commercial for an alcoholic drink (4)

DOWN

1 Equivalent of a watch that is not digital (8) 2 Coin one found in conduit (5) 3 Most imposing lieutenant rages furiously inside (7) 4 Gangster’s girl finds American conservative a slimy sort (7) 5 Enlarge a German organisation with this boss (7,7) 6 Photos certain to be taken in public exhibitions (9) 7 New York’s overtaken half of London with these items of clothing (6) 8 Love developed for Rome, say, after holiday – with this one leaves forever (6,8) 14 Walked casually with family member into wild reeds (9) 15 One went to a restaurant, assuming Josephine to be connected (8) 17 Hold up and go shopping for seconds (3,4) 18 Note performer is also a producer of some power (7) 19 Sort of material covered by travel veteran (6) 22 Silver with etched semiprecious stone (5)