CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

7 Developed thin marsh plant having a realistic look? (2,5,1)

9 Area skirted by little backtracking animals (6)

10 Lead church formality (6)

11 Pauses solemn ceremonies about psychic ability (8)

12 Assemble pieces of trough from the beginning to the end (10)

14 I’ve discovered you east of south London neighbourhood (4)

15 Tons of sushi sauce covering dude (2,4) 16 Take out returning actor Lowe before quarrel (6)

19 Distort “special military operation” quietly (4)

21 Chides expert wearing contacts (10) 23 Drown out bizarre part of a boxing match (5,3)

24 Wind up like Sibelius in recital (6) 25 Nevada city won empty fame (6) 26 Bewildering casual romance after groovy retreats (8)

DOWN

1 Swipe canary (6)

2 African city shot author in distance (8) 3 Was introduced to hard drug made in a lab (4)

4 Ready tollgates rebuilt near nothing (3,3,2,2)

5 Changes victory sign (6)

6 Doctor hates lying in despicable nighttime program (4,4)

8 Noted attorney finally launched missile (6)

13 Creating inheritance factor assessment (10)

15 Pirate wrapped up following burn (3,5) 17 Phased-out coin found in bank in the past few days (8)

18 Cool a fruit, some say (6) 20 Restrain smaller cogwheel (6) 22 Some less energetic ancient ascetic (6) 24 Poodle’s name provided twice in write-up? (4)