ACROSS

1. Some donkeys to need something in place at the top (8)
5. A pronounced police presence in the trees (5)
9. Bit of a sheep to be used as a form of defence? (7)
10. Pale daughter an ever-present among pupils at Hogwarts? (4)
12. Magnificent display and enthusiasm, but the castle’s lost: must be these unfashionable locks (9)
13. Trudge a bit around the farm tonight — ram plays alongside (5)
15. Monarch loses last relative (3)
17. Eft’s orbit around this affliction (9)
18. Goddess loses head for a time (3)
21. Pleasantly warm in the Sound but also unsound! (5)
22. I curb this madness — excessively proud (9)
25. Socially inept type: Roman Emperor, the fourth to go and be replaced by daughter (4)
26. Short promotional piece always comes after? (7)
27. I, being swallowed by a shellfish, might have to make one of these (5)
28. Year tent was ripped led to an emotional plea (8)

DOWN

1. Broken arm ok but make a meal of it (5)
2. Gave PM oyster meal, but four come back in March (4)
3. Business scar? It’s symbolic. (9)
4. Some mane to make into mesh (3)
6. Vegetable bird put together for one who struts his stuff (7)
7. Stop in the middle, we hear. Nevertheless it’s long-lasting (8)
8. Asylum pyjamas? In there that’s rough! (5)
11. Netted vessel, it’s said, might lead to service (9)
14. Hot gas just used for a special gathering of engines (5,4)
16. Utterly mad inside Eastern church for one who can put it all together (8)
19. Real bat flies around the province(7)
20. Children’s magazine edition (5)
23. Do we join it? (5)
24. Armed support? That’s going to annul NATO somewhat (4)
26. School head’s off: a heavyweight (3)