IS it a bird, is it a plane? No it’s Superman’s girlfriend studying the local history resources at Brecon Library.

Margot Kidder, who starred opposite Christopher Reeve as Lois Lane in the 1978 blockbuster, called in to the Ship Street branch to research her family tree.

The Canadian born actress, who now has US citizenship and lives in Montana in the United States, already knew her family ancestors were farmers who lived on a farm in the Llanigon area, near Hay-on-Wye before sailing to New York from Liverpool in 1854.

But in a quest to delve deeper into her family history Margot visited Brecon library where staff assisted the actress, who played inquisitive newspaper reporter Lois Lane, with setting up the equipment and accessing the appropriate resources.

Margot used the 1851 Census for Llanigon to look specifically at Llwynllyrd and the Powell families. She found a printed a list of people with the Powell family name, to cross-reference against the names on the ship’s manifest.

She was then able to use the public computers to correspond with a family member who could shed more light on her research. Although her search didn’t come up with any immediate results, mainly because the Powell name was quite common in the area at the time, she wasn’t deterred and plans to do more family research in Powys soon.

Margot was so happy with her local history experience and the help she received at Brecon Library she presented staff with two signed posters that advertised the ‘Daily Planet’ – the fictional newspaper her alter ego Lois Lane works for.

Susan Jones, branch Librarian for Brecon Library, said: "She was a lovely visitor to talk to as was her travelling companion. They were both very enthusiastic about the records they found.

"Margot loved reading the local Brecon newspaper ‘The Silurian’ and has vowed to return to do more research. It was wonderful that we could help her and we hope she continues and is successful with her family research.

"It is so exciting to watch people make the first steps to connect with their past. You never know where it might lead you or who you will meet on the way."

Councillor Graham Brown, Powys County County Council’s cabinet member for libraries, added: "I’m delighted that Ms Kidder has used our facilities to find out more about her ancestors. It’s not every day you have a Hollywood actress use a public library so it’s pleasing to hear that she enjoyed her experience and was helped by our professional and friendly staff."

For more information on local and family history resources in Powys libraries, the county archives and museums visit www.powys.gov.uk/en/libraries-archives/