Daily Telegraph £500 Prize

[bimbo123456]

Hello All. Just got a few left. If you wouldn't mind helping?

11d Animal more 'eated O?T?? I am thinking otter but no idea why
20a At first, Santa's old reindeer tries to be kind SO?? ties in with 11d at the final letter/third letter. Could be soft but can't think how the f fits in as O?T?F

18d Commander once more not at home A?A (AWA? but no idea why....)
31a Soldier, one in opposition ?N?I

Many thanks

[Mamyalynne]

31 Anti
18 Aga

[Mamyalynne]

20 sort (initial letters)

[Mamyalynne]

11 Otter (drop the aitch)

[bimbo123456]

Thanks Mamy...I get anti but why Aga? commander....but not at home?

[Lie-in King]

11d (H)Otter - (H)eated
20a Sort (kind) - 1st letters of 'Santas Old Reindeer Tried'

[Mamyalynne]

Aga (in) no in so not at home

[bimbo123456]

As usual you guys do not disappoint. Many thanks for the replies and explanations, much appreciated. :)

[Mamyalynne]

Hi Maj ♥

[bimbo123456]

It might have helped if my 11 across was not misprinted...mine said 'eated. LOL

[Mamyalynne]

You are very welcome Bimbo.

[Lie-in King]

Hi mamya! Aaaahhhh!... :-)

Aga (Turkish commander) - lose 'in' (at home) from 'again' (once more)

[bimbo123456]

Can't choose between you and Lie in, Mamy.....both excellent and helpful answers...so I will not give "best answer" this time.

[Mamyalynne]

Quite right too.