Thanks to the many players who have been tweeting during Euro 2012, football fans are getting closer to the action than ever before. Others actively sharing their perspective on the games include former players, broadcasters, journalists and fans.

For the final stages, Twitter will have a special page at twitter.com/#Euro2012. Search for #Euro2012 (or click on that hashtag from any Tweet) and you'll see the best and most relevant Tweets from accounts you follow, and some you don't. While you're glued to the action on TV or online, our #Euro2012 page will give you an experience customised to that match, starting with the second quarter-final between Germany and Greece.

Some of Twitter's biggest moments have occurred around football, like the Champions League semi-final second leg between Barcelona and Chelsea in April. That day we broke a record for tweets per second during a sporting event, with 13,684 Tweets per second when Fernando Torres scored the decisive goal.

Twitter is also the best way for football fans to get closer to their favourite teams and players off the pitch. Whether it's Sergio Ramos documenting his team's bowling trip, or Wayne Rooney sharing his pre-game Spotify playlist, fans now have the inside track.

--Lewis Wiltshire (@lewiswiltshire)

Tell us how you’ve used Twitter for your UK business for the chance to win up to £1,000 in Twitter advertising credit. 

We hear lots of stories about how people and organisations all over the world are using the Twitter platform in interesting ways. Some of our favourites involve local businesses communicating with their current customers, and reaching out to new ones.

It’s no surprise really, since Twitter brings people closer to the things you care about, and that often is the coffee shop, boutique, pub or restaurant in their neighbourhood.

Now, we want to hear your stories.

How to enter: Tweet using the hashtag #ukbizstories and tell us how you’ve seen a local business use Twitter creatively to connect with the community and reach their customers. We’d also love to hear from local business owners directly about how you’ve used Twitter to engage your customers.

We’ll select and reward the businesses with the best examples with up to £1,000 free Twitter advertising credit to be used for our Promoted Products.

This offer is valid until July 30, 2012 and is open to UK businesses only. Winners will be contacted via Twitter and/or email.

Looking for inspiration? Check out this recent post, Tweet local, and download our Twitter for Business guide, full of tips and best practices.

And of course there is the small print:

• Not all advertisers and businesses who submit entries will win free media. 

• By submitting a testimonial, you grant Twitter permission to share your testimonial (including your name, profile picture, and any other text or media associated with your Twitter account) in case studies, presentations and other promotional materials. Twitter may work with those businesses we have selected to find the right Promoted Products to promote their account and Tweets. 

• Twitter’s award of Promoted Products is solely within Twitter’s discretion and all use of Promoted Products is subject to Twitter’s terms of service and any terms applicable to Promoted Products. Twitter may require advertising credits to be used within a certain time. 

• Additional terms may apply. 

Posted by @TwitterUK