Cryptic crossword No 707

I think the fitting response is "excellent!" Was a pleasure to test-solve this one - especially fond of 21a, 8d, 10a among many.

Now this is my type of crossword... an outstanding feat of grid construction, combined with beautiful cluing throughout that didn't make this a write-in (9a, 13a, 17a, 8d, 16d, 24d some favourites). More of the same please! Some spoilers below...

Cheers, setter! Very - extremely! - clever theme. Excellent. See reply ...

Very enjoyable thanks.

For some reason the phrase "raising the bar" comes to mind.... 16d, not quite complete! Pretty much echo the points raised by thepoisonedgift and Fez.Had to read up to understand the 5d definition - looks as though it should be hyphenated. Brilliantly done.

Impressive, high-level stuff. I was pleased to wrangle out about 75% of it, but couldn't crack some of the toughies like 14d. Well worth the time taken, many thanks Bluejacket.

Stunning puzzle Bluejacket, wonderfully crafted. Particular favourites were 8a, 11a, 15a, 18a, 19a, 21a, 23a, 3d, 5d, 12d, 20d and 24d.