Crossword Genius

Daily, free around Northumberland area (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

cleaner

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'daily' is the definition.
(dated term for a woman cleaner)

'around northumberland area' is the wordplay.
'around' is an insertion indicator.
'northumberland' becomes 'ne' (I've seen this in other clues).
'area' becomes 'clear' (clear is a kind of area).
'ne' inserted within 'clear' is 'CLEANER'.

'free' is the link.
I am not very happy about this link. It may belong to another bit of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for cleaner that I've seen before include "More unblemished - charwoman" , "Maybe Daily" , "Char; less dirty" , "less sleazy?" , "Charlady" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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