Across
4
Germany's sound leader in Angela's in 23 (6)
9
Good grades Paul was always unable to attain — who would have thought it! (4,1,5,3)
10
Touring middle of farm, muck encountered — mess about (4,6)
11
Secure fifty picnic hampers (6)
12
Mere hint about unusual instrument (8)
13
Growth of intellect in Essex? (9)
15
Make sense, as might exhibits in gallery collection? (4,8)
17
'Loose women': clue de trop (9)
22
Eagle, for example, hit rocky peak (6)
24
Dark snake and lady of the night? (10)
25
Affect suddenly with strong push in sustained campaign (4,4)
26
Bear in river on purpose (6)
27
Bird: 22 out of one's tree? (6)
Down
1
Cosmic light initially alters forms (7)
2
Pooped nothing out then? (3,2)
3
Assaults exciting — still on police record? (7)
5
Authorised reference covering talk that's come up (6)
6
Astronomical topic, male boobs (9)
7
Whiffy — as a goose may be? (7)
8
This hen wouldn't want to be turning her friends out (8,5)
16
Scent style in rose I gathered (7)
18
Every other one blocked off, set up roads vital for an enormous area of land (7)
19
Descent of celestial body, twinkling before dawn (7)
23
Might exhibitionist stand naked under this? (5,6)