Crossword Genius

Helen & Co changed formation (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

echelon

'formation' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'helen co changed' is the wordplay.
'changed' indicates anagramming the letters.
'helen'+'co'='helenco'
'helenco' anagrammed gives 'ECHELON'.

(Other definitions for echelon that I've seen before include "Degree" , "position in society" , "Staggering display of military" , "Grade or level" , "Ladder formation" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun.
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