Crossword

Friday's puzzle.

Cryptic puzzle

Across

4. Break up Diana's group (7)

8. A method that admits of no return? (3-3)

9. Functionary just after skating? (7)

10. Political group in which one gets equality (6)

11. Ancient Britons who all had degrees (6)

12 And 6 Down. Game to make the river crossing shorter? (8,6)

18. Manufacture that takes painstaking work (8)

20. Empty short holiday for worker (6)

21. Capital girl got back to vicar without transport (6)

22. The late sports meeting competitor (7)

23. There's decay round lair of animal (6)

24. Alternatively a Conservative having the gift of speech (7)

Down

1. Case for cosmetic agreement? (7)

2. Course in deportment? (7)

3. Conjuror's talk isn't quite a model to copy (6)

5. Newspaper boss occupying tenement gets blown up (8)

6. See 12 Across.

7. Scene I upset relations (6)

13. Tiara got damaged by trouble-maker (8)

14. Stupefy Edward, being retarded in growth (7)

15. Comedy outcome of taking on odious line of rulers (7)

16. Can't he give service without delay? (6)

17. Dance and French dance-drama (6)

19. Speaking with one voice there's progress finally in workers' organisation (6)

Quick puzzle

Across

4. Futile (7)

8. Confession (6)

9. Argent (7)

10. Flourish (6)

11. Threat (6)

12. Stubborn (8)

18. Waterfall (8)

20. Discount (6)

21. Run (6)

22. Characteristic (7)

23. Scared (2,4)

24. Greenery (7)

Down

1. Prudence (7)

2. Friend (7)

3. Tray (6)

5. Cargo (8)

6. Affectionate (6)

7. Rigid (6)

13. Forefather (8)

14. Sailor (7)

15. Height (7)

16. Chide (6)

17. Wan (6)

19. Add (6)

Thursday's solutions

CRYPTIC - Across: 1 Baker's dozen; 9 Oak; 10 Distemper; 11 Fudge; 13 Moaners; 14 Ernest; 16 Season; 18 Angrier; 19 Tessa; 20 Liability; 21 Owl; 22 Sea shanties. Down: 2 Auk; 3 Eddie; 4 Sesame; 5 Operate; 6 Expresses; 7 Coffee table; 8 Presentable; 12 Denigrate; 15 Spirits; 17 Arnica; 19 Tryst; 21 Ode

QUICK - Across: 1 Melancholic; 9 Eft; 10 Tradition; 11 Faded; 13 Cuirass; 14 Resume; 16 Gemini; 18 Average; 19 Mania; 20 Charlatan; 21 Ail; 22 Trustworthy. Down: 2 Eat; 3 Acted; 4 Chance; 5 Orifice; 6 Imitation; 7 Performance; 8 Inestimable; 12 Disrepair; 15 Measles; 17 Bestow; 19 Minor; 21 Ash