EXHIBIT 23.5 INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S CONSENT We consent to the incorporation by reference on Form S-4, of our report dated February 1, 2001 on our audits of First Gaston Bank of North Carolina as of December 31, 2000 and 1999 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2000. We also consent to the references to our firm under the caption "Experts" in this Registration Statement. Larrowe & Company, PLC Galax, Virginia October 8, 2001