Double Crossword

Choice of cryptic or quick puzzle, and (just in case you've been wracking your brains) yesterday's solutions.
By The Newsroom
Published 28th Jul 2011, 10:04 BST
Updated 28th Jul 2011, 16:27 BST

Cryptic puzzle

Across

1 And 15 Down. Suffer damage to the pocket! (4,3,4)

3. Anxieties about container for firearms (8)

8. Dramatises apostolic exploits (4)

9. Derrick being employed to go in this arrangement (8)

11. Present carriers with stable bearings (5,4,3)

13. Sets topless hair-dos shockingly (6)

14. Kind of board to control electricity (6)

17. Capital billets for operations base (12)

20. Choir gal could be one of few to exert control! (8)

21. A mere game (4)

22. Stricken by dreadful rate debt (8)

23 And 7 Down. It's Gran's unfortunate horoscope reference (4,4)

Down

1. They show off straw hats about the start of the season (8)

2. Covered it up in disreputable trade (7)

4. Showing debility - a pick-me-up is needed (6)

5. Children indulging in this activity get the cane! (10)

6. One in part of the church devoid of sophistication (5)

7. See 23 Across.

10. The speed of the runner-up? (6-4)

12. He painted Ruskin's adversary (8)

15. See 1 Across.

16. Sea-food, we hear, will provide strength (6)

18. The dictator keeps order inside (5)

19. Company doctor to carry out a careful examination (4)

Quick puzzle

Across

1. Ave (4)

3. Drool (8)

8. Brood (4)

9. Memento (8)

11. On purpose (12)

13. Score (6)

14. Skip (6)

17. Intended (12)

20. Elation (8)

21. Member (4)

22. Sponger (8)

23. Fever (4)

Down

1. Dampness (8)

2. Stimulus (7)

4. On ship (6)

5. Habitual (10)

6. Cancel (5)

7. Nobleman (4)

10. Sparing (10)

12. Legible (8)

15. Zero (7)

16. Devotee (6)

18. More mature (5)

19. Aid (4)

Wednesday's solutions

CRYPTIC

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Across: 1 Contaminate; 9 Initial; 10 Viola; 11 Scrub; 12 Discord; 13 Hasten; 15 Kinder; 18 Built-up; 20 Areas; 22 Apron; 23 Grimace; 24 Opportunity.

Down: 2 Osier; 3 Thimble; 4 Malady; 5 Nevis; 6 Twofold; 7 Miss the boat; 8 Hard-pressed; 14 Stirrup; 16 Italian; 17 Spigot; 19 Tango; 21 Exact.

QUICK

Across: 1 Blasphemous; 9 Outline; 10 Pecan; 11 Dread; 12 Elegise; 13 Outset; 15 Avenue; 18 Knuckle; 20 Lotto; 22 Nudge; 23 Placate; 24 Well-meaning.

Down: 2 Lithe; 3 Spindle; 4 Heeded; 5 Maple; 6 Unction; 7 Good-looking; 8 Undeveloped; 14 Trundle; 16 Villain; 17 People; 19 Knell; 21 Train.