Across
7
Minor ache around back of neck for seven days (8)
9
A large interval – taken aback – for stew to appear (6)
10
Direct line contributing to border (4)
11
Newspapers etc misrepresented maiden trip (5,5)
12
I remain moored at the outset in the same place (6)
14
First serving of strawberry crumble to appear still warm? (8)
15
Ancient British soldier in left-wing Ulster? (7)
17
Laudatory remarks? End one about college, retiring (7)
20
Winter sports item that is catching cold fish (3,5)
22
Have joint responsibility for authorising function, by the sound of it (6)
23
Peaceful action forbidden before church season – six apprehended (3-7)
24
Offload fire’s foremost source of fuel (4)
25
Attempt to snatch a type of light? That gets you imprisoned (6)
26
Italian treats in Book Two about romantic novelist (8)
Down
1
Be similar to last of chamber group though name’s forgotten (8)
2
Character in computer game about King getting quick look? (4)
3
Pageantry linked to high award or decoration (3-3)
4
Waste container readily inscribed with name of former PM (8)
5
Revolting? Our bellies may be turned (10)
6
A policy about power as seen in Southern European area? (6)
8
Good move to surface seeing capture of lake salmon (6)
13
Upturn in cold lives sadly ending in poverty? Definitely (10)
16
Snake study accepted by Commonwealth country? Not initially (8)
18
Painful nail? Odd thing to involve dispute (8)
19
Recording device starts to ruin every part of speech (6)
21
Pink binding for Beethoven’s Fifth or Ninth? (6)
22
Sickeningly attractive copper still upset about end of murderess (6)
24
Elevated halo often seen around this simpleton? (4)