EXHIBIT 23.4

                          Independent Auditor's Consent

The Board of Directors
Community Bancshares, Inc. and subsidiaries
Wilkesboro, North Carolina

We consent to the use of our report dated February 22, 2002, on the consolidated
financial statements of Community Bancshares, Inc. and subsidiaries as of and
for the year ended December 31, 2001, included and incorporated by reference in
this registration statement on form S-4, and to the reference to our firm under
the heading "Experts" in the prospectus.

                                          /s/  CHERRY, BEKAERT & HOLLAND, L.L.P.




Greensboro, North Carolina
September 16, 2002