Dover College has congratulated its former pupil, Simon Cowell on becoming a father on Valentine’s Day last week.

The college sent best wishes to the TV mega star, who attended during the 1970s, via Twitter.

Mr Cowell grew up in Hertfordshire but boarded at Dover College, based in Effingham Crescent.

The message said: “Congratulations to Simon Cowell on becoming a father to son Eric.”

On the college's website, there is a passage about Mr Cowell and one of the reasons why he may have aspired to enter the world of showbiz.

It reads: “A television production company came to Dover College to interview Simon Cowell’s housemaster at the time, Mr George Matthews.

“The crew came with a small hand-held camera and took various shots of the grounds and buildings, including Leamington House where Simon used to board as a boy.

“The show was broadcast on Sky television and can be viewed on You Tube.”

Success shows such as the X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent aired on ITV1 are just two of the television sensations that has thrown the music mogul under the spotlight for more than 10 years.

Mr Cowell also addressed the public over Twitter the following day, to share his good news with the world.

He said: “Very happy to say Eric was born at 17.45pm. Healthy and handsome.”

Mr Cowell and American girlfriend, Lauren Silverman, named their baby Eric after Simon’s father who died 15 years ago.