Guardian Prize Crossword Saturday September 6Th 2014

[Gaperon]

Thoroughly enjoyed this until got stuck on pathetic last couple! 17d Second person to be 18 … (3) AR?

[dannyk13]

Are?

[Captain2]

I am, You ARE?

[Captain2]

What's the clue for 18 please? - may shed some light on it

[roslyn251254]

Clue for 18 -
18d .... or 20, say, of 26 for builders? (3) !!!! Not much help!

[Gaperon]

18d … or 20, say, of 26 for builders? (3) I have TE?

[scorpiojo]

Tea?

[scorpiojo]

Is there a theme?

[Gaperon]

Yes (a fun one!) but not related to these clues

[Captain2]

Ahh but now we need clue 26 (20 is obviously self explanatory)

[Gaperon]

26d Cover human trafficking, lacking evidence at first (6) I have mantle

[mallyh]

man with first letters of Trafficking Lacking Evidence

[Cunicular]

if you start at 17 across and read the four short clues clockwise you get the theme.

[EvilTony]

Is there a theme?

YES.
Read the central trios in a clockwise direction.

[lameloy]

18...or 20 of 26 = letters of the alphabet