The Telegraph - CRYPTIC CROSSWORD NO: 26,743 - Dec 23 2011

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Clues Answers
A board member, he's entertained by Civil Service staff CHESSMAN
Analyse Eastern adherent of monotheistic sect PARSEE
Bird has fun heading off back with straw for home? NUTHATCH
Children's game -- defeats being reported CONKERS
Come back into section of green territory REENTER
Competent English Queen participating in an engagement ADEQUATE
Dire end to time in hospital unit covered in muck BEGRIMED
Eat morsel that's horrible rubbery stuff ELASTOMER
Engineers given second signal will be free from danger RESCUE
Female became different and stumbled FALTERED
Hungarian obedient? To some extent the reverse -- carefree DEBONAIR
In centre of Brussels there will be long delays STALLS
Indian lords, heartless folk making slow progress CREEPERS
Is nothing in Ulster city ridiculous? DERISORY
It can help one entering court SHOEHORN
Clues Answers
Mark has got together with Heather -- that's exciting! TICKLING
Message that something still needs to be done about bodyguard REMINDER
No cure -- it is awful suffering mentally NEUROTIC
Novel by a Bronte surprisingly full of hot wrath NORTHANGERABBEY
One tries to be logical about a boy with hesitation REASONER
Opposing Victorian child-exploiter: 'Off with his head!' AGIN
Plant in wet ground that spreads across river FERN
Regarding province, say nothing to shock ASTONISH
River racer? RUNNER
Secret American manoeuvres INCAMERA
She may need to come down to earth AIRWOMAN
Small plant you found hidden in the middle of Hebe, correct? EYEBRIGHT
The drunk stood for election in the capital TEHRAN
What is't that completes fine infusion?! TISANE