Abstract: An apparatus for advancing a predetermined length of strip material from a supply roll to a delivery point. In addition to strip pull-off mechanism (15) cooperating with a one-way means (20, 22) to pull-off the desired strip length from the supply roll (10), the apparatus has a gripper (26) reciprocating in synchronism and in push-pull connection with the pull-off mechanism, the gripper gripping and advancing the strip end. The strip (11) also passes a strip brake (20, 21) and a photocell (19) which on detection of a suitable mark causes the brake to be actuated to stop the strip and the gripper to be actuated so that it releases the strip. As the moving parts have a very small inertia, the braking may be effected almost instantaneously and with great precision.