Abstract: An optical fibre element for use in an optical cable comprises a flexbile elongate member having within and partially bounded by the elongate member throughout its length an elongate compartment; at least one optical fibre loosely housed in the elongate compartment; and means for retaining the optical fibre within the elongate compartment. The elongate member is resiliently set in such a form that the central longitudinal axis of the member follows a longitudinally extending path which, between any two longitudinally spaced positions, is greater in length than the rectilinear distance between the two positions. When the resiliently set elongate member is subjected to a longitudinally applied tensile force, the elongate member will tend to straighten in a lengthwise direction against the action of its resilient set, thereby to reduce the tensile force applied to the optical fibre. When the tensile force is removed, the elongate member will return under the action of its resilient set towards its original form.