This crossword No. 12626 clues and answers were published on Thu 28 Oct 2010 and the puzzle can be visited by following The Guardian Quick Crossword No. 12626 link.
All Across Clues and Answers:
1-across – Shortage of rainfall : DROUGHT
8-across – Assist : HELPOUT
9-across – Severe or strict in attitude : AUSTERE
10-across – Word having the same meaning as another : SYNONYM
11-across – Item of value : ASSET
13-across – Stubborn : OBSTINATE
15-across – Storage for riders : SADDLEBAG
18-across – Humid : MOIST
21-across – Sinatra : ARTISAN
22-across – Means of entry : GATEWAY
23-across – Surround with armed forces : BESIEGE
24-across – Raise in value or quality : ENHANCE
All Down Clues and Answers:
1-down – Theatrical piece : DRAMA
2-down – Forces out of position : OUSTS
3-down – Large portable stereo : GHETTOBLASTER
4-down – Essays on a theme : THESES
5-down – Prolonged exchange of insults : SLANGINGMATCH
6-down – Part of the eye : CORNEA
7-down – Thwart — block — my site : STYMIE
12-down – Upholstered seat : SOFA
14-down – Little children : TOTS
15-down – Threadbare : SHABBY
16-down – Dislike intensely : DETEST
17-down – Elasticised rope : BUNGEE
19-down – From Des Moines? : IOWAN
20-down – Common herb : THYME
This crossword has in total 26 where 12 are across and 14 are down.