A load-sensing strut has a main body (26) having a longitudinal loading axis (A) along which an applied load is transmitted, and a load sensing member (38) arranged to carry at least a portion of the applied load when the load is within a predetermined range, wherein the load sensing member (38) includes at least one load sensor (46) generating a load signal. The strut also has a load alleviation member (36) arranged to reduce the portion of the applied load carried by the load sensing member (38) when the applied load is outside the predetermined loading range. Consequently, the load sensors exhibit greater sensitivity to incremental changes in the applied load within the predetermined range, yet the strut provides high strength and is capable of reacting to very high loads outside of the predetermined range. The strut may be used in actuating aircraft control surfaces in a high-lift system.