PUZZLES & STARS

ACROSS

3. Verdi tore the script apart, being too weary (9)

8. Topless female found in eastern state (4)

9. Broken rib, the making of grade 1 officer (9)

10. Batty place (6)

11. Not the main street, but wide enough (5)

14. Have a spin round the country (5)

15. Want to be included in the June edition (4)

16. One who informs old king, the beast! (5)

18. Lied about being out of work (4)

20. Snack eaten when fresh (5)

21. Cause the disappearance of certain characters (5)

24. She spins a coin at Minehead (6)

25. Of course it’s a change! (9)

26. Contest expected to take place at Land’s End (4)

27. He relies on Ned and Pat possibly coming round last (9)

DOWN

1. I’m cast with Bob as being pompous (9)

2. Blame Ella for being easily persuaded (9)

4. Extremely suitable for a light (4)

5. Flying the flag makes him jolly (5)

6. Kind of file used in getting help back to the north (6)

7. I had heard it was being looked at (4)

9. Convey a piece of second rate jewellery (5)

11. Stop the car for a rest, we hear (5)

12. Having good taste (9)

13. Notice a soft piece of furniture being adjustable (9)

17. Descendant tossing coins (5)

19. Fur owned by me at the end of winter (6)

22. Placed in position when tides are out (5)

23. Measure found in a parking meter (4)

24. One is happy to be over it (4)