Abstract: An array of sensors is provided at or near the surface of a material arranged to detect magnetic flux leakage occurring when a magnetic field is induced in the material. The sensors in the array are coupled in respective pairs (differential pairs) such that when one partner of a respective pair overlies a discontinuity, a differential output signal is produced dependent on the difference between the output signals from the sensors of the respective differential pair. Because of the nature of the change of the flux leakage field produced by a discontinuity, respective partners of each pair of sensors are spaced relative to each other according to the invention. In one embodiment, partners of each sensor pair are spaced relative to one another both in the direction of travel of the apparatus and also in a direction transverse thereto.