A £20 book token will be awarded to the first correct cryptic crossword solution randomly selected from all correct entries received by the submission deadline. Entries should be addressed to:

Life and Work (Crossword) 121 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 4YN and should be received by December 14. The solution will be published in the January issue and the prize winner in the February issue.

Winner of October 2023 Cryptic Crossword Henry Weir, Stow

Solution to November 2023 Cryptic Crossword

ACROSS: 1 Swing, 4 Reproof, 9 Once in a blue moon, 10 Haunted, 11 Cremona, 12 Pat, 13 Rebecca, 15 Sithole, 16 Updated, 19 Apricot, 21 Imp, 22 Exegete, 23 Paschal, 25 Infernal regions, 26 Royalty, 27 Lotus.

DOWN: 1 Succumb, 2 Idiot, 3 Grandpa, 4 Relicts, 5 Precentor, 6 Oloroso, 7 Fundamentalism, 8 Mother superior, 14 Cathedral, 17 Deep-fry, 18 Dietary, 19 Apparel, 20 Cahoots, 24 Sight.