Double Crossword

Cryptic puzzle

Across

1. Challenge to read out (4)

3. Deep trouble for pound (8)

8. Ages due to nose operation (4)

9. Otherwise criticise returning man being killed (8)

11. A real boost that Nelson got? (4,2,3,3)

13. Ski with an athlete (6)

14. Put an end to whisky (6)

17. People who restore plush, perhaps (12)

20. Rulers with no charms somehow (8)

21. The end of cigarette smoking? (4)

22. And semis are rebuilt by one helping at church (8)

23. Lied about being lazy (4)

Down

1. Possibly Welsh valets (8)

2. Under the weather having been hit by a car (3,4)

4. Responds with opened crates (6)

5. Unlikely to confuse a dafter chef (3-7)

6. Complete state (5)

7. Two orders of extinct bird (4)

10. On the face of furniture (10)

12. Charles gets a new blue vestment (8)

15. Gave therapy to Edward at the new rate (7)

16. A maths problem causes breathing difficulties (6)

18. Longed for a tree to have died (5)

19. A politician's current units (4)

Quick puzzle

Across

1. Price (4)

3. Ready (8)

8. Trim (4)

9. Dislike (8)

11. Alienation (12)

13. Stripe (6)

14. Firm (6)

17. Unconcern (12)

20. Bills (8)

21. Wise Men (4)

22. Demote (8)

23. Extremely (4)

Down

1. Compress (8)

2. Disperse (7)

4. Plunder (6)

5. Commanding (10)

6. Rule (5)

7. Refuse (4)

10. Peaceable (3-7)

12. Rashness (8)

15. Slavery (7)

16. Result (6)

18. New (5)

19. Row (4)

Wednesday's solutions

CRYPTIC

Across: 1 Enlargement; 9 Eclipse; 10 Resin; 11 Senor; 12 Stamina; 13 Humane; 15 Spirit; 18 Polecat; 20 Rocky; 22 Cheat; 23 Adipose; 24 Re-establish.

Down: 2 Nylon; 3 Aspirin; 4 Grease; 5 Maria; 6 Nastier; 7 Sets the pace; 8 Infantrymen; 14 Maltese; 16 Partial; 17 Strata; 19 Cites; 21 Cross.

QUICK

Across: 1 Meaningless; 9 Preview; 10 Racer; 11 Ratio; 12 Stadium; 13 Tureen; 15 Adonis; 18 Offbeat; 20 Coypu; 22 Avert; 23 Mordant; 24 Shortcoming.

Down: 2 Exert; 3 Noisome; 4 Newest; 5 Larva; 6 Section; 7 Operational; 8 Promiscuity; 14 Refresh; 16 Decorum; 17 Atomic; 19 Enter; 21 Yearn.