EXHIBIT 23.1

                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


The Board of Directors
Gaston Federal Bancorp, Inc.


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement on
Form S-8 (No. 333-77657) of Gaston Federal Bancorp, Inc. of our report dated
October 20, 2000, except for note 3, as to which the date is November 30, 2000,
relating to the consolidated statements of condition, operations, comprehensive
income, changes in equity and cash flows as of and for the years ended September
30, 2000 and 1999, which report is incorporated by reference in the September
30, 2000 annual report on Form 10-KSB of Gaston Federal Bancorp, Inc.


/s/ Cherry, Bekaert & Holland, L.L.P.

Gastonia, North Carolina
December 21, 2000