The Guardian - Cryptic crossword No 23,006 - Dec 5 2003

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Clues Answers
'Heavens, it's turning cold', declares seer MYSTIC
Best part of starry ruler's fabric ASTRAKHAN
Born to be stimulated by drink BRANDY
Compiler gets drink from slab METOPE
Dickens embraces granny before a lucky strike BONANZA
Fresh herb MINT
Gammy leg? Rotten eyesight? This might help LORGNETTE
Goat to make an attempt on artist ANGORA
He painted 'Bird Bearing Right' COROT
Hitch second carp SNAG
Inshore telephonist's leader telephoned with a limited aim SHORTRANGE
Lack of protection from publicity EXPOSURE
Leader of investigation removed dress ROBE
Literary tips accepted by regular diarist EVELYN
Little laboratory mice operated on with old laboratory equipment ALEMBIC
Clues Answers
Not about to recycle broken stalks CELERY
Old woman to be found straddling railway barrier BELDAME
Outer coating of vessel BARK
Past involving former king in bullying tactics AGGRO
Pathetic, low-down infiltrator put outside PLANGENT
Polish fruit, cored, is chewy RUBBERY
Pour drink, leaving a bit of sediment in the top part DESCANT
Pursue commie, but at a gentle pace DOGTROT
Rode back into fight, making a racket BATTLEDORE
Spat out during sophisticated sort of comedy SLAPSTICK
Tickled to find inspiration in commercial AMUSED
Turn evil during temperance drive by New Labour? MODERNISATION
Volume about street entertainer's initial complaint GALLSTONE
Young man alien kicked on the way out BUCKET