The unclued lights, all verifiable in a section in Chambers, are of a specific kind.

Across

5 Small tree, one a pretentious person brought back (6)

10    Aerial pond adapted for fish in an aquarium (5,5)

17    Takes back onto the staff latter half of Leicestershire Cooks (7)

18    Renault changed gear (7)

20    Evidence of Fall in the Rockies? (8)

25    Stiff paper, way-out neckwear? (3)

28    TV cook Harriott from NE Islay (7)

29    Note: 50 per cent reduced, after setback (3)

31    Is it found down the Strand? (8)

34    Blade – posh one – at NZ springs city (7)

36    Temporary bar opening (7)

40    Bananas by bottomless pit and fruit container (8)

41    Family members’ new compositions not requiring piano (6)

42    Moeen’s caught me out and wins silver (4,6)

43    Salmon, by the way, for fellow presenter (2-4)

44    The least bad runners? (8)

Down

1 Swiss city cut cattle fodder (6)

2 Lender is out at hockey rink markings (3,5)

3 Such decrees are timeless outbursts (6)

4 Socialist in Tyneside, turning up at village on the Lleyn (5)

6 Expert from Folkestone, reading (4)

7 Royals dabbling with green source of power (5,6)

9 Drink pub served up is for       bawdy writer (8)

11    Bowling during series creates storm in Sri Lanka (7)

14    e.g. Vance – outside on record (4)

15    Pity it has only four chapters (4)

16    Needle patterns represented in chitchats (11)

19    State of posh topper turned up (4)

21    Actresses Evelyn or Dilys in Cinderella? Yes! (4)

23    Shabby party clothes with news boss (3-5)

25    Confused impression of old car firm city (4)

27    Rubber prone to distort? Renew after stripping (8)

31    Safe section of 31A reported (4)

32    Small fish hum (6)

33    Fits in well with text service (6)

37    Let us discuss our openings for game (4)

38    Resistance units – I see thousands (4)

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A first prize of a £30 John Lewis voucher and two runners-up prizes of £20 vouchers for the first correct solutions opened on Monday 24 August. Please scan or photograph entries and email them (including the crossword number in the subject field) to crosswords@spectator.co.uk, or post to: Crossword 2764, The Spectator, 22 Old Queen Street, London SW1H 9HP. Please allow six weeks for prize delivery.