Exhibit 23



























































                                                                      Exhibit 23





                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS



       As independent  auditors,  we hereby consent to the  incorporation of our
report, dated February 14, 1997, incorporated by reference in this annual report
of CFW Communications  Company on Form 10-K, into the Company's previously filed
Form S-8 Registration Statements File Nos. 2-65364,  33-31361,  33-45650 and 33-
55745 and Form S-3 Registration Statement No. 333-17945.











Richmond, Virginia
March 24, 1997