An actuator for applying force along an axis to a body, comprising an annular body arranged along the axis, an annular magnetic field source within and substantially coaxially with the annular body, a substantially cylindrical central member arranged substantially coaxially within the annular body in a fixed relationship with a gap formed between the central member and the annular body and an armature comprising a substantially cylindrical hollow member extending at least partially into the gap between the central member and the annular body. The hollow member has first and second spaced coils positioned at either side of the magnetic field source when the armature is at rest, such that the areas of the gap in which the first and second coils are positioned are magnetic flux gaps, and the armature and the annular body are translationally relatively moveable when the first and second coils are energised with opposite currents.