I have a final few clues to be solved. You have all been fantastically helpful so hope you dont mind helping out with the final few, as follows:
All answers are the name or location of a river of the world.
1. She's French - doctor's girl (7) - I thought it could be Moselle but not sure why?
2. South always North (6)
3. Shortened both pillar and bent (8)
4. Carefree abandonment.
5. Could be the same - out east (6)