The Telegraph - CRYPTIC CROSSWORD NO: 28,008 - Jan 12 2016

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Clues Answers
12 cast off steps STAIRCASE
Abandon brush SCRUB
Allowing the French time can start to grate LETTING
Avoids birds DUCKS
Becomes bitter, covering up Church origins SOURCES
Citrus tree almost devoured by cold weather CLIMATE
Concerned with rent? Save! RELEASE
Difficult catch with line at sea TECHNICAL
Dog taken to vet with no tail to bend CURVE
Fashion designer embracing new means of communication CHANNEL
German city 'ethically' neglected, oddly. It's necessary ESSENTIAL
Go in hospital department with expression of hesitation ENTER
Hampers ventures, getting round request BASKETS
Heard to waste American's increase in wages RAISE
Intimate guests ordered to go round back of building SUGGEST
Lass with belly changing? Babies -- there's two there SYLLABLES
Clues Answers
Learning what you're filling in? LETTERS
Lesson by one Conservative of the highest rank CLASSIC
Mirror? One friend holds it IMITATE
No one is turning the Queen more boisterous NOISIER
Nothing in drizzle can make you damp MOIST
Old man developing nice tan ANCIENT
Paid close attention -- pages after article told a story APPLIED
Philosopher's following snake -- they go round and round WINDMILLS
Player's first to leave golf club, say UTTER
Rears cute wild animals CREATURES
Returned embarrassed about movement in ballet REPLIED
Security at home certain to restrict an onset in crime INSURANCE
Soldier wearing suitable American equipment APPARATUS
They might put up with you LODGERS
Unattractively artificial closing in picture PLASTIC
Women warm source of food? WHEAT