CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS



We have issued our report dated January 14, 2000, accompanying the consolidated
financial statements incorporated by reference in the Annual Report of Peoples
Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
1999. We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference of said report in the
Registration Statement of Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. on Form S-3.


                                             /s/ Porter Keadle Moore, LLP


Atlanta, Georgia
August 8, 2000