EXHIBIT 99.2

                                  Press Release



                                  NEWS RELEASE




SWVA Bancshares, Inc
(Over-the-Counter: SWVB)
302 Second St., SW
Roanoke VA 24011

CONTACT:          B. L. Rakes, President & CEO
                  (540) 343-0135

Date:             August 21, 1997


DIVIDEND DECLARATION:
SWVA  Bancshares,  Inc is pleased to announce that the Board of Directors of the
Company,  at a meeting of the Board of Directors on August 20, 1997,  declared a
semi-annual  dividend  of $0.15 per  share  payable  on  September  30,  1997 to
shareholders of record at the close of business on September 15, 1997.


Southwest Virginia Savings Bank, FSB is a federally  chartered savings bank, the
deposits of which are insured by the FDIC to the fullest extent provided by law.
The Bank is  headquartered  in Roanoke,  Virginia  and  operates 5  full-service
banking  facilities  and a mortgage  origination  office  serving  Roanoke City,
Roanoke  County,  Salem  City and  adjacent  counties.  The Bank has  served the
community since 1927.


SWVA Bancshares,  Inc., Common stock shares are listed over-the-counter  through
the National Daily Quotation System "Pink Sheet".