EXHIBIT 23
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CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT
CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statement on Form S-8 related to the Bedford bancshares, Inc. 1994 Stock Option
Plan of our report dated October 27, 2000, relating to the consolidated
financial statements of Bedford Bancshares, Inc. appearing in the Company's
Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended September 30, 2000.
/s/BDO Seidman, LLP
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BDO Seidman, LLP
Richmond, Virginia
December 14, 2000