Muriel Archer, a missionary who survived a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp in the Second World War, has died aged 96.

Ms Archer smuggled bibles into countries where preaching Christianity was forbidden and was dedicated to prison teaching and fellowship in Bermuda.

She revealed little of her experiences as a prisoner of war.

A close family friend, who asked not to be named, said Ms Archer was “treated very badly, but survived” after being captured in Hong Kong.

A member of St John’s Church, Ms Archer belonged to the Christian-based group Educational Services International, and taught English overseas, particularly in China.

She had extensive teaching experience in Russia at a time when the activities of foreigners were strictly monitored.

Ms Archer told The Royal Gazette in 1995: “We are not allowed to preach the gospel there. But I did find that people wanted me to teach them how to pray.”

Ms Archer worked with the downtrodden in countries all over the world, particularly people addicted to drugs.

She traced her “second life” as a missionary and charity worker back to the death of her only son, Christopher, to leukaemia when he was 19, as well as the early death of her husband William “Bill” Archer.

Ms Archer decided to “go where I am needed”, including Bermuda’s prison, as a member of the Prison Fellowship.

Born in Britain, she spent much of her childhood in China, where her parents were missionaries.

Her missionary work there was often conducted undercover.

Her friend said: “She was a very understanding, smart, educated and worldly woman who had suffered and been around, and she was great at getting on with people.

“Anyone in need here in Bermuda could come around to her home and she would help them.”