Solving time, 24 mins.
* = anagram < = reversed
ACROSS
1 DEB T OR
4 M ERIN O
8 VICIOUS CIRCLE
10 BRA (w) N
11 SERBO-CROAT (a rector sob)*
12 WO (O D S) MAN
14 SK (I MP) Y
16 DE (Ed< = editor) SPOT
18 CORONA CH
20 SPERMACETI (me carpet is)*
22 B (A) IT & lit. My favourite clue in the puzzle.
23 LAUGHING STOCK cf Staffing lock
24 THE (t)ORY
25 DEXTER Double definition
DOWN
1 D (OVER S) OLE Six balls (deliveries) in an over in cricket
2 Roger BA CON From the 1200s
3 O (PO) S SUM
5 EDITORS (so tired)*
6 INCUR SION Sion = Zion = Jerusalem “Northern border” shows, in a down clue, the positions of the two parts.
7 OPERA Hidden
9 SPRING C LEAN C = about
13 DEPARTURE (true padre)*
15 PICNICKER
17 TEACHER Skilfully hidden
19 RE ISSUE
21 PI LOT The possible anagram of ‘trial’ tempted at first.