Abstract: A labyrinth seal element comprises a primary wall extending generally radially outwardly from a central axis, a central opening within said primary wall for receiving a shaft, and a plurality of spaced generally axially extending annular scavenging walls projecting from a side of the primary wall. Each axially extending annular scavenging wall has a radially outer surface which diverges away from the axis as it extends from the primary wall. At least one of the annular scavenging walls partly defines a radially outwardly facing annular groove for inhibiting passage of dirt radially inwardly along the respective side of the primary wall towards the axis.