2695: Struck hard – solution

The theme-word is SMITH which can be preceded by GOLD (24A), LADY (37A), HAMMER (3D), BLACK (5D) and SILVER (22D). The pertinent quotation ‘A mighty man is he’ at 9D comes from The Village Blacksmith by Longfellow. BLACK had to be shaded.

First prize Andy Grady, Tutbury, Staffs

Runners-up Steve Reszetniak, Margate, Kent; Oenone Green, Feltham, Middlesex