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Thanks for your help kirky - I'll battle on for a while.

I'm a bit stuck, done it all found the 2 words, but cannot get 39 ac. I think it is thematic and the only thing I can think of relates to Warren, which doesn't feel right. Hint appreciated

I think you have it. I was surprised at the entry given 33. The unaltered answer has a 3-letter tree inside surrounded by a 5-letter ing word.

Thanks mathpro, thought I had it but being a bit of a newbie I wasn't sure. All filled in now

Thanks to kirky's generous hint I've completed the puzzle. I'd made difficulties for myself by assuming that 'altered to fit' meant a change of length. This again emphasises the value ot this thread at a time when Mrs Seal and I are locked-down on a Norfolk sandbank.

Despite the hint I still can't parse 28 across. I have the answer because of the link with 40, but assume it isn't thematic. Any assistance would be appreciated.

Otherwise, once I'd understood the changes required, a very nice puzzle so my gratitude to the setter.

28a, prime as in prime numbers, look at letters 2, 3, 5, 7... of the last 2 words

Thanks for this response buddy. I see this but Is there a definition of the answer. The only leader I can think of was involved in Suez!
Also in 39 is sting a synonym for snake? sorry if I sound a bit niggly.

I think you're right about the definition in 28ac. In 39ac, I took the synonym to be "snake wound" (as a noun).

william seal, I wasn't happy with the definition either, but found one who was PM in the 50s. Maybe the clue could have been "prime features of red-bean garden"?

Thanks preterm and mathprofrockstar. 'snake wound' as noun is clever, but is was poor definition in 28 across.