Mattrom and Mamya, many thanks for those. I wrote my thanks 4 times last night and each time my iPhone just closed the page without warning. I am no further on with the crossword.
Realm of Middle Earth (5) _ _ D _ _
Loafer (5) _ _ _ _ E (if vintage is right) I had IDLER which fitted with Refrain (7) ABSTAIN and Virus (5) EBOLA but now wrong.