Exhibit 23

       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


     We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference into the
Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 33-56933) of Valley
National Bancorp of our report dated July 22, 1994, included in the
1994 annual report to stockholders of Lakeland First Financial
Group, Inc. (the "Company"), which is incorporated by reference in
the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June
30, 1994.


                                          STEPHEN P. RADICS & CO.


July 5, 1995

Haledon, New Jersey