Cryptic crossword No 1,254

Many thanks to Coot for rigorously test-solving the original draft :)

Thanks Roach. That one took me a while, so quite a workout with a bit of help here and there. Particularly appreciated 10a, 13a, 19a, 22a, 14d, 18d & 23d. A few clues might have seemed a bit elaborate, but can't say any were unfair.

Solid puzzle, Roach. I liked 8a, 22a, 3d (see Reply), 16d and 20d in particular. Spoiler in reply. Thanks. PM