| Clues across |
| 8 | Little bird loses its tail, looks 3 (4) |
| 9 | Places where coal is found are areas full of hazards (10) |
| 10 | Wedge wearisome person (European) in rally (8) |
| 11 | In high spirits, editor accepts confused story (6) |
| 12 | Puzzle concerning public transport (5) |
| 13 | Tin or can, maybe, holding drug (9) |
| 15 | Jack could be a comical chap (4) |
| 17 | Catch girl with nothing (5) |
| 18 | Small insect? It’s been swallowed by me (4) |
| 19 | Uncle, sore, turned into fenced-off area (9) |
| 21 | Strengthen a pair (5) |
| 24 | Peace disturbed around south? Get away! (6) |
| 25 | Confused goat runs round swamp at start of November, but a slippery slope’s needed for this (8) |
| 26 | Having completed an apprenticeship, meets diver splashing about (4-6) |
| 27 | Endless track twisting round pond (4) |
|
| Clues down |
| 1 | A few words reveal stage in growth to be about right (6) |
| 2 | Stuck in the Arctic, seeing floe jump (8) |
| 3 | Sting sets up vehicles (5) |
| 4 | A French devil’s overturned pastry; I have no wish to show feelings (15) |
| 5 | Pretence? No thanks, love! (9) |
| 6 | One half of the choir I caned for a change (6) |
| 7 | Follower’s stick placed on books (8) |
| 14 | A worker in A&E, going up the wall? (9) |
| 16 | Carol turns up, possessed by a nervous twitch – an unbeliever (8) |
| 18 | A grim, twisted, ancient plant (8) |
| 20 | Despite its name, it’s not front page news (6) |
| 22 | Carry on, upset without right pencil (6) |
| 23 | Dwelling made from broken sun-dried brick (5) |
|
